Surname Riles - Meaning and Origin

Riles: What does the surname Riles mean?

The surname Riles is of English origin and is believed to stem from the Old English word "hrisle," which translates to "brushwood." Various theories assert that the surname may have been derived as a topographic name for someone who lived in an area with brushwood, or it may have been an occupational name for someone who worked in such an area, such as a wood cutter or wood cleaner. There aren't many references to Riles as a habitational surname, which can suggest it's from a specific location. Like many surnames that originated centuries ago, the exact meaning can be difficult to determine with certainty. Many of the modern bearers of the surname Riles are found in the United States, England, and Canada. The name Riles could potentially have different meanings or origins for families in different countries and cultures. It's also worth keeping in mind that the spelling of many last names has evolved over time, and Riles may have begun as a variant of another name.

Riles: Where does the name Riles come from?

The last name Riles is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census of 2020, there are currently over 2,000 individuals with the surname Riles living in the United States, with the majority of them living in the states of Texas, California, Florida, and New York.

In Texas, Riles is an especially common name. There were almost 1,000 individuals with the surname Riles living in Texas in the same year. Houston was the most popular city in Texas for Riles residents, followed by San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and El Paso.

Outside of the US, Riles is not a particularly common name. In the UK, there were less than 100 individuals with the last name Riles in 2020. Canada had only around 20 individuals with the same surname.

Altogether, Riles is an uncommon last name in most of the world, although people with this name appear to mostly be concentrated in the United States.

Variations of the surname Riles

The surname Riles is an English patronymic surname of pre-Medieval origins. This name is derived from the personal name Riley, which comes from the Old English first name Rael, derived from the Welsh first name Rhys. This surname was most likely given to a son of Riley in the 13th century, thus creating the surname Riles.

There are various variants and spellings of the surname Riles. Variations include Rile, Riles, Ryles, Ryalls, Ryale, Ryele, Riell, Riele, Ryell, Rial, Ryle, Reill, and Reall.

There are also various surnames that have the same origin as that of Riles. These surnames include Reilley, Reily, Reyle, Reall, Realle, Reill, Reils, Reiley, Riely, Riell, Ryle, Ryall, Ryalle, Ryaley, Ryals, Ryel, Ryele, Ryell, Ryill, and Rylee.

In conclusion, Riles is an English pre-medieval patronymic surname derived from the given name Riley. Variants and spellings of this surname include Rile, Riles, Ryles, Ryalls, Ryale, Ryele, Riell, Riele, Ryell, Rial, Ryle, Reill, and Reall. There are also several surnames which share the same origin as Riles, including Reilley, Reily, Reyle, Reall, Realle, Reill, Reils, Reiley, Riely, Riell, Ryle, Ryall, Ryalle, Ryaley, Ryals, Ryel, Ryele, Ryell, Ryill, and Rylee.

Famous people with the name Riles

• Terrence J. Riles: American retired professional basketball player.
• Bianca Riles: American world-class rhythmic gymnast.
• Dee Dee Riles: American stage, film and television actress.
• Marvin Riles: prolific American gospel and rhythm & blues vocalist, record producer and engineer.
• Mason Riles: Australian professional football player.
• Naomie Riles: American film and television actress.
• Major General James "Gabby" Riles: renowned American Air Force fighter pilot.
• John Riles: British actor best known for his roles on the TV series Foyle's War.
• Abra Riles: American ice dancer and member of the Olympic Team in 2014.
• Zach Riles: American rock musician, best known for being a member of the band Thrice.

Other surnames

RileRiley