Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rhea
GirlGreek· “uncertain; possibly flowing or earth”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly flowing or earth (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- REE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #639
- US babies 2025
- 452
- Best rank
- #363 (1893)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Rhea
Rhea is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly flowing or earth”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Rhea is the name of the Titaness of Greek mythology who was the wife of Cronus and the mother of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and their siblings. The meaning is uncertain; it has been linked to a Greek word for flowing and to words for earth, but no explanation is agreed. In Roman legend Rhea Silvia was the mother of the twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. A moon of Saturn also bears the name. Rhea is short, soft and classical. Ria and Rea are variant spellings, and in India Riya is a separate name with a similar sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ria.
Popularity over time
Rhea first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #363 in 1893, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 577 were named Rhea. In 2025, 452 babies were named Rhea, and it ranked #639 nationally. That is 67% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #518 in 1920, #831 in 1950, #1,088 in 1980, #1,169 in 2000, #1,175 in 2010, and #639 in 2025. Of the 19,737 US girls named Rhea since records began, 15% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,736 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Hadassah, Amalia, Emerie, Oakleigh, and Lylah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rhea ranked highest in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #318 | 12 |
| Massachusetts | #372 | 16 |
| Nevada | #422 | 7 |
| Ohio | #470 | 24 |
| Colorado | #489 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Rhea is usually pronounced REE-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-ea”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ria.
Middle names for Rhea
A few middle names that flow with Rhea: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rhea
Similar names
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Selene Girl
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Lists that include Rhea
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rhea mean?
Rhea is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly flowing or earth”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Rhea?
Rhea has Greek roots. Rhea is the name of the Titaness of Greek mythology who was the wife of Cronus and the mother of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and their siblings.
Is Rhea a popular name?
Yes. Rhea ranked #639 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rhea a boy or girl name?
Rhea is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Rhea?
Rhea is usually pronounced REE-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings