Declining since 2019, #2,173 for girls today.
Popularity of Rhylee since 1993
Babies named Rhylee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 38 | 0 |
| 2000s | 434 | 60 |
| 2010s | 1,344 | 155 |
| 2020s | 688 | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Rhylee first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1993, a modern respelling of the well-known Riley. The name reached its peak popularity in 2019, after which it has been falling in usage. In 2025, it ranked 2,173 nationally, with roughly 1 in 18,909 newborn girls receiving the name. The spelling Rhylee reflects the contemporary preference for distinctive phonetic variants, a trend that also produced forms like Rylee and Ryleigh. While not among the most common spelling choices, Rhylee has found its strongest foothold in Illinois, Georgia, and New York.
Rhylee is a modern phonetic respelling of Riley, which originates from the Old English words ryge 'rye' and leah 'clearing, meadow'. Traditionally an Irish surname anglicized from Ó Raghailligh, the given name Riley rose in popularity for girls in the late 20th century. Rhylee specifically emerged as a creative spelling variant in the 1990s, reflecting a trend toward unique phonetic forms.
Where Rhylee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rhy, Lee
Sibling names for Rhylee
Names that share Rhylee's style, for a brother or sister.
