Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Riva
GirlHebrew, Italian· “variant of Rivka; Italian "shore"”
- Meaning
- variant of Rivka; Italian "shore"
- Origin
- Hebrew, Italian
- Pronunciation
- REE-vuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,697
- US babies 2025
- 41
- Best rank
- #2,007 (1953)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Riva
Riva is a Hebrew and Italian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Rivka; Italian "shore"”.
Riva has two main sources. In Hebrew it is a short form of Rivka, the Hebrew form of Rebecca, the wife of Isaac in Genesis. The meaning of Rebecca is uncertain, but it is often linked to a root meaning "to tie" or "to bind." In Italian, riva means "shore" or "bank," a word seen in place names such as Riva del Garda on Lake Garda, and related to the English riviera. It is said REE-vuh. Rivka and Rebecca are the fuller forms of the Hebrew name, and Reva is a similar spelling.
Popularity over time
Riva first appears in US Social Security records in 1910. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,007 in 1953, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 57 were named Riva. In 2025, 41 babies were named Riva, and it ranked #3,697 nationally. That is 86% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,319 in 1920, #5,173 in 1950, #3,813 in 1980, #7,078 in 2000, #7,445 in 2010, and #3,697 in 2025. Of the 1,619 US girls named Riva since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 244 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Odelia, Divina, Sigrid, Eleana, and Xaria.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Riva ranked highest in New York and Texas.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Riva is usually pronounced REE-vuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-va”.
Middle names for Riva
A few middle names that flow with Riva: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Riva
Similar names
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Lists that include Riva
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Riva mean?
Riva is a Hebrew and Italian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Rivka; Italian "shore"”.
What is the origin of the name Riva?
Riva has Hebrew and Italian roots. Riva has two main sources.
Is Riva a popular name?
Not especially. Riva ranked #3,697 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Riva a boy or girl name?
Riva is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Riva?
Riva is usually pronounced REE-vuh. 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