Rayley

Meaning of Rayley

Rayley is a feminine given name with Old English roots—derived from ryge “rye” and leah “clearing”—that began life as a surname for families living near a rye field. Today it serves as a deliberate variant of the more widespread Riley, offering parents both familiarity and distinction—without the risk of half a dozen classmates sharing the same name. Pronounced RAY-lee (/ˈreɪli/), Rayley fits neatly into the broader Anglo-American trend of surname-inspired first names. U.S. data from 2002 through 2024 show annual birth counts ranging from five to sixteen, with its rank consistently hovering between 898 and 979 in the national Top 1000. This modest yet steady presence underscores Rayley’s appeal as a name that balances traditional etymology with contemporary individuality.

Pronunciation

English

  • Pronunced as RAY-lee (/ˈreɪli/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

Diana Michelle Redwood
Curated byDiana Michelle Redwood

Assistant Editor