River
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
54,754 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2022 Peak Popularity Year
5,421 Peak Births

River Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name River has English origins, referring to a flowing body of water. It evolved from the Old English term 'rīfre' and has gained popularity in modern times as a nature-inspired name. The name carries connotations of tranquility and is used as a gender-neutral option. There is no significant biblical relevance associated with this name.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "River"

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Pronunciation

/ˈrɪvər/

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Origin

English

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Etymology

The name 'River' is derived from the English word for a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.

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Meaning

A flowing body of water.

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Language Evolution

Old English: 'rīfre', Middle English: 'river'

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity in the late 20th century as a nature-inspired name for children, reflecting a trend towards using nature-related terms as given names.

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Variants & Derivatives

Rivers, Rivera

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, the name River is seen as modern, nature-themed, and gender-neutral, often associated with tranquility and beauty.

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Famous People

River Phoenix, River Song (fictional character from Doctor Who)

📊 River Name Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Consistently Rising
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More River Name Visualizations

✨ River Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 5,421 peak births in 2022

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "River" - Complete Guide (2 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "River". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "River" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "River"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "River"

"River" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 7089th of 10718 26
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 1429th of 16616 923
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 522nd of 24088 7,633
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 166th of 23106 27,916
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 8802nd of 27321 119
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 1362nd of 35406 2,514
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 242nd of 30306 15,623

Regional Popularity of "River" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
32.48%
1197th/3685
45.65%
2043rd/4475
23.26%
1208th/5194
16.86%
1065th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
11.74%
538th/4582
15.86%
819th/5164
7.04%
515th/7313
6.16%
460th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
4.22%
168th/3984
5.50%
247th/4487
2.13%
145th/6822
2.74%
172nd/6276

Regional Popularity of "River" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - 100.00%
5194th/5194
-
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
29.70%
1361st/4582
46.48%
2400th/5164
18.02%
1318th/7313
16.24%
1212th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
5.65%
225th/3984
9.09%
408th/4487
3.18%
217th/6822
3.74%
235th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "River"

This map shows the relative popularity of "River" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "River" in the United States

The name River is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, River has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'River' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7089th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1429th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 522nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 166th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8802nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1362nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 242nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'River' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: River name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of River,
Infographic: River same pronunciation names, similar names, and homophone names
[600x500px image] River same pronunciation names, similar names, and homophone names