Find out how popular the first name Rhiannon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rhiannon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rhiannon is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Rhiannon being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 210 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rhiannon.

The history of the first name Rhiannon

The name Rhiannon is of Welsh origin, derived from the Celtic mythological figure Rhiannon, a prominent character in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. The name is believed to be derived from the Welsh word "rhian," meaning "great queen" or "divine queen."

Rhiannon was a powerful and mysterious figure in Welsh mythology, often associated with horses and birds. She was the wife of Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed, and was known for her beauty, intelligence, and magical abilities. Her story is recounted in the tale of "Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed," where she is falsely accused of killing her newborn son and is subsequently punished by being forced to carry guests on her back from the gate to the court.

The name Rhiannon has been recorded in various spellings throughout history, including Rhiannyn, Rhianen, and Rianonnen. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is found in the Mabinogion itself, which dates back to the 12th or 13th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Rhiannon. One of the most famous was Rhiannon Frampton (1945-2008), a British singer and songwriter known for her work with the rock band The Mamas & the Papas. Another notable Rhiannon was Rhiannon Ifans (1895-1979), a Welsh writer and nationalist who played a significant role in the Welsh literary revival of the 20th century.

In the field of literature, Rhiannon Jenkins Tsang (born 1958) is a British author and poet known for her works exploring Chinese and Welsh identities. Additionally, Rhiannon Giddens (born 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has gained recognition for her work in reviving African American folk music traditions.

Another notable figure bearing the name Rhiannon was Rhiannon Batten (1986-2008), a British Olympic gymnast who represented Great Britain at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

While the name Rhiannon has its roots in Welsh mythology and culture, it has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unique sound and rich historical background have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rhiannon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rhiannon, please contact us.

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