The village was first mentioned in 1186 as Relant, and means land and reed.

In 1773, the Reigersbergsepolder was completed and Rilland developed as a road village.

The Catholic St Joseph church was built in 1903 next to the Capuchin monastery.

[5] In 1856, the harbour Rattekaai was constructed and was primarily used for the transportation of sugar beet.

It is one of the few villages in Zeeland that has a shooting range, motor cross and golf course.