River Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » River Name Meaning

Fact: In various cultures, rivers symbolize life, fertility, and continuous movement.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

River Overview

Meaning

Stream of water that flows to the sea

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the English word “river,” referring to a natural flowing watercourse.

Pronunciation

/ˈrɪv.ər/

Popularity

River is a name that has gained popularity in various countries, especially in English-speaking regions. Recently, River has ranked within the top 150 names for boys and girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Modern, Unique, Aesthetic

Associated Traits

Free-spirited, adventurous, strong, calm

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The name River can have spiritual connotations, symbolizing life, movement, and renewal in various cultures and belief systems.
A Deep Dive

River Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Riviera, Rivka, Rivkah, Rivana, Rivella, Riviana, Rivienne, Rivendell, Rivkaiah

Common Nicknames

Rivy, Riri, Riva, Rivi

Diminutives

Riv, Ria, Rive, Vee

Famous People

  • River Phoenix
    (American Actor and Musician)
  • River Viiperi
    (Spanish Model)
  • River Perkins
    (Musician)
  • River Huston
    (American Author, Poet, and Activist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • River Song
    ("Doctor Who," TV Series)
  • "A River Runs Through It"
    (Film)
  • River Tam
    ("Firefly," TV Series)
  • "River"
    (Song)
  • River Phoenix
    ("Stand by Me," Film)
  • "River"
    (Novel)

Places

  • River City
    (Kentucky, USA)
  • River Park
    (California, USA)
  • River Falls
    (Wisconsin, USA)
  • River Forest
    (Illinois, USA)
  • River Rouge City
    (Michigan, USA)
  • River Oaks City
    (Texas, USA)

What Is the Meaning of River?

River means “a flowing body of water.” This name often signifies an individual who is dynamic and free-spirited, embodying qualities of fluidity, strength, and natural beauty.

What Is the Origin of The Name River?

River has English origins. It was initially used as a nature-inspired name, reflecting the beauty and tranquility of rivers.

River Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name River in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1102021#1052022#1162023
Top 3 Rankings#1052022#1102021#1162023

Annual Statistics Breakdown for River

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023116
(-11 from 2022)
3084
(-407 from 2022)
0.16842
2022105
(+5 from 2021)
3491
(-5 from 2021)
0.18639
2021110
(+19 from 2020)
3496
(+685 from 2020)
0.18659
2020129
(+39 from 2019)
2811
(+441 from 2019)
0.15197
2019168
(+29 from 2018)
2370
(+296 from 2018)
0.12332
2018197
(+3 from 2017)
2074
(+105 from 2017)
0.10670
2017200
(+12 from 2016)
1969
(+119 from 2016)
0.09949
2016212
(+31 from 2015)
1850
(+334 from 2015)
0.09133
2015243
(+44 from 2014)
1516
(+273 from 2014)
0.07415
2014287
(+84 from 2013)
1243
(+413 from 2013)
0.06066
2013371
(+34 from 2012)
830
(+109 from 2012)
0.04107
2012405
(+19 from 2011)
721
(+76 from 2011)
0.03553
2011424
(+8 from 2010)
645
(+11 from 2010)
0.03175
2010432
(+17 from 2009)
634
(+16 from 2009)
0.03086
2009449
(+5 from 2008)
618
(+7 from 2008)
0.02914
2008454
(+99 from 2007)
611
(+147 from 2007)
0.02802
2007553
(-40 from 2006)
464
(-41 from 2006)
0.02095
2006513
(+4 from 2005)
505
(+29 from 2005)
0.02303
2005517
(+32 from 2004)
476
(+56 from 2004)
0.02238
2004549
(+21 from 2003)
420
(+32 from 2003)
0.01987
2003570
(+40 from 2002)
388
(+59 from 2002)
0.01847
2002610
(-3 from 2001)
329
(+6 from 2001)
0.01592
2001607
(+4 from 2000)
323
(+9 from 2000)
0.01562
2000611
(-52 from 1999)
314
(-45 from 1999)
0.01504
1999559
(-63 from 1998)
359
(-76 from 1998)
0.01761
1998496
(+22 from 1997)
435
(+46 from 1997)
0.02145
1997518
(+114 from 1996)
389
(+120 from 1996)
0.01947
1996632
(-13 from 1995)
269
(-9 from 1995)
0.01342
1995619
(+305 from 1994)
278
(+137 from 1994)
0.01382
1994924
(+714 from 1993)
141
(+87 from 1993)
0.00692
19931638
(+446 from 1992)
54
(+17 from 1992)
0.00261
19922084
(+386 from 1991)
37
(+9 from 1991)
0.00176
19912470
(-300 from 1990)
28
(-5 from 1990)
0.00132
19902170
(-312 from 1989)
33
(-7 from 1989)
0.00153
19891858
(+1845 from 1988)
40
(+27 from 1988)
0.00191
19883703
(-184 from 1987)
13
No change from 1987
0.00065
19873519
(+3203 from 1986)
13
(+8 from 1986)
0.00067
19866722
(-1103 from 1982)
5
(-1 from 1982)
0.00026
19850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19825619
(-151 from 1981)
6
No change from 1981
0.00032
19815468
(-1162 from 1975)
6
(-1 from 1975)
0.00032
19800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19780
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19754306
(+921 from 1974)
7
(+2 from 1974)
0.00043
19745227
(-1607 from 1972)
5
(-3 from 1972)
0.00031
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19723620
(+753 from 1971)
8
(+2 from 1971)
0.00048
19714373
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00033
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for River

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1172021#1412022#1442023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1142021#1142022#1542023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1382021#1362022#1602023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#962021#762022#632023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1132021#1002022#1052023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#452021#492022#622023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#862021#972022#962023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#852021#762022#1202023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1962021#1842022#2062023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1172021#1112022#1142023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#772021#712022#892023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#1412021#1382022#1352023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1602021#1622022#1572023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#862021#682022#852023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#702021#502022#532023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1222021#1042022#1072023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#472021#322022#552023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#402021#542022#672023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#242021#352022#412023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1032021#1062022#1202023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#542021#442022#632023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#772021#802022#722023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#922021#872022#1182023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1212021#832022#472023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1002021#672022#942023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1082021#1122022#1362023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1532021#1242022#1592023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#852021#662022#732023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#932021#1092022#1282023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1552021#1372022#1832023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2032021#2042022#2192023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#592021#722022#572023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1092021#832022#962023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1072021#592022#1122023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1852021#1932022#1822023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1762021#1102022#1612023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1012021#1312022#1722023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#332021#472022#522023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1852021#1242022#1672023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#462021#782022#782023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#762021#1042022#1012023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#762021#1352022#1152023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1642021#2832022#2492023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#522021#772022#1742023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1052021#502022#842023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#682021#2072022#1352023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2042021#872022#1282023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#882021#1212022#602023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2352019#1372022#1402023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#762020#812021#1192023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1282023

Popularity Rankings for River in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#582021#592022#822023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#702021#812022#752023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1052021#1142022#1102023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1942019#1592020#1312021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1992021#1712022#1382023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3262021#2642022#2322023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#4302020#2852021#7772022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3902021#4292022#3192023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is River a Name for Boys or Girls?

River can be used for both boys and girls. Its nature-inspired and versatile sound makes it appealing for any gender, reflecting a sense of calm and strength.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for River

River in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • River Phoenix (Actor, 1970–1993): An American actor and musician known for his roles in "Stand by Me" and "My Own Private Idaho."
  • River Viiperi (Model, born 1991): A Spanish model known for his work with major fashion brands and appearances in high-profile fashion magazines.
  • River Perkins (Musician): An emerging musician known for blending genres in their innovative music projects.
  • River Huston (Author): An American author, poet, and activist known for her work on HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • River Song ("Doctor Who," 2008 TV Series): A time-traveling archaeologist with a mysterious past and a close connection to the Doctor.
  • "A River Runs Through It" (1992 Film): Follows the lives of two brothers growing up in Montana with a passion for fly fishing.
  • River Tam ("Firefly," 2002 TV Series): A gifted young woman who escapes from a government experiment and becomes a fugitive.
  • "River" (2017 Song by Leon Bridges): A soulful track that reflects on redemption and healing.
  • River Phoenix ("Stand by Me," 1986 Film): An actor known for his role as Chris Chambers, a young boy on a journey to find a missing body.
  • "River" (2015 Novel by Joni Mitchell): A novel exploring the complexities of love and relationships.
  • River McIntyre ("The 100," 2014 TV Series): A character in the post-apocalyptic series about a group of teenagers sent back to Earth.
  • "River" (2020 TV Series): A drama series focusing on the personal and professional life of Detective Inspector John River.
  • River Windrider ("The Legend of Korra," 2012 TV Series): A minor character who aids Korra on her quest.
  • "River" (2004 Album by Herbie Hancock): An album that blends jazz and classical music.
  • River City (Kentucky, USA): A small city known for its scenic riverfront and vibrant community events.
  • River Park (California, USA): A large urban park in Fresno known for its recreational facilities and green spaces.
  • River Falls (Wisconsin, USA): A city in Pierce and St. Croix counties, known for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the scenic Kinnickinnic River.
  • River Forest (Illinois, USA): A suburban village in Cook County known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets.
  • River Rouge City (Michigan, USA): A city in Wayne County known for its industrial history and the Rouge River.
  • River Oaks City (Texas, USA): A city in Tarrant County known for its parks and family-friendly environment.

Similar Names to River

  • Brook
  • Delta
  • Ford
  • Lake
  • Ocean
  • Bay
  • Wade
  • Creek
  • Cove
  • Dune

Sibling Names for River

Parents Who Like the Name River Also Like

You and I have just journeyed through the meaning, origin, and fun facts about the name River. If it resonates with you, consider it for your little one. And share this with others who might find it helpful!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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