Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
River
UnisexEnglish· “river”
- Meaning
- river
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- RIH-vur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #111
- US babies 2025
- 3,139
- Best rank
- #105 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of River
River is an English name that means “river”.
River is a simple English word name for a natural stream of water, from Old French riviere and ultimately the Latin ripa, "riverbank". It belongs to the modern wave of nature names chosen for their imagery and calm associations. The idea of a river suggests movement, continuity and life, which appeals to many parents. River is used for both boys and girls and has become increasingly common in the United States. It has a gentle, flowing sound, with the stress on the first syllable, and it pairs well with traditional middle names that balance its free-spirited character.
Famous parents who chose River: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara (2020). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
River first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #105 in 2022, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 3,504 were named River. In 2025, 3,139 babies were named River, and it ranked #111 nationally. That is 107% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #612 in 2000, #434 in 2010, and #111 in 2025. Of the 39,676 US boys named River since records began, 48% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 13,860 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Sage, Phoenix, and Lennox.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, River ranked highest in Arkansas, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | #42 | 57 |
| West Virginia | #45 | 32 |
| Tennessee | #57 | 131 |
| Hawaii | #60 | 14 |
| Montana | #61 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
River is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 35% of US babies named River were girls and 65% were boys.
River is usually pronounced RIH-vur, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for River
A few middle names that flow with River: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for River
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Lists that include River
Frequently asked questions
What does the name River mean?
River is an English name that means “river”.
What is the origin of the name River?
River has English roots. River is a simple English word name for a natural stream of water, from Old French riviere and ultimately the Latin ripa, "riverbank".
Is River a popular name?
Yes. River ranked #111 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is River a boy or girl name?
River is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 35% of US babies named River were girls and 65% were boys.
How do you pronounce River?
River is usually pronounced RIH-vur. 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