Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Rihanna
GirlArabic, American (modern coinage)· “sweet basil”
- Meaning
- sweet basil
- Origin
- Arabic, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- ree-AH-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,150
- US babies 2025
- 87
- Best rank
- #311 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Rihanna
Rihanna is an Arabic and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “sweet basil”.
Rihanna is usually linked to the Arabic Rayhana, the name for sweet basil, a fragrant herb used in cooking across many cultures. The spelling Rihanna became famous through the Barbadian singer and businesswoman known by that name, whose success turned it into a widely recognized given name. It also resembles Rhiannon and Rhianna, which have Welsh roots but a separate history. Rihanna has a lilting, glamorous sound and a clear modern image. Ria and Rhi are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Rihanna first appears in US Social Security records in 2000. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 2006. Its best national rank was #311 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,075 babies. In 2025, 87 babies were named Rihanna, and it ranked #2,150 nationally. That is 51% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #14,625 in 2000, #587 in 2010, and #2,150 in 2025. Of the 6,612 US girls named Rihanna since records began, 51% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,495 babies. Since 2010, 3,266 more have been named Rihanna.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Rylie, Kiley, Emely, Danica, and Maliyah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rihanna ranked highest in Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #984 | 5 |
| New York | #1020 | 15 |
| Washington | #1211 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1575 | 5 |
| Texas | #2010 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Rihanna is usually pronounced ree-AH-nuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with R and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Rihanna
A few middle names that flow with Rihanna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rihanna
Similar names
Vivianna Girl
vih-vee-AH-nuh
“elaboration of Vivian; alive” · American (modern coinage)
#1,128
Sarina Girl
suh-REE-nuh
“form of Sarah; princess” · Hebrew
#1,745
Illiana Girl
il-ee-AH-nuh
“variant of Iliana” · American (modern coinage)
#2,467
Yasmina Girl
yaz-MEE-nuh
“jasmine flower” · Arabic
#1,866
Madina Girl
muh-DEE-nuh
“the city, from Medina” · Arabic
#2,314
Evana Girl
ee-VAH-nuh
“modern variant of Ivana or Eva” · American (modern coinage)
#2,221
Elliana Girl
el-ee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#139
Alayna Girl
uh-LAY-nuh
“modern spelling of Alaina” · American (modern coinage)
#332
Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#593
Amina Girl
ah-MEE-nuh
“trustworthy, faithful” · Arabic
#315
Aleena Girl
uh-LEE-nuh
“uncertain; variant of Alina” · American (modern coinage)
#657
Avianna Girl
ah-vee-AH-nuh
“modern blend of Ava and Anna” · American (modern coinage)
#595
Lists that include Rihanna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rihanna mean?
Rihanna is an Arabic and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “sweet basil”.
What is the origin of the name Rihanna?
Rihanna has Arabic and modern American roots. Rihanna is usually linked to the Arabic Rayhana, the name for sweet basil, a fragrant herb used in cooking across many cultures.
Is Rihanna a popular name?
Not especially. Rihanna ranked #2,150 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rihanna a boy or girl name?
Rihanna is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Rihanna?
Rihanna is usually pronounced ree-AH-nuh. 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