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

Popularity of River by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, River is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 66% of people named River being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,084 male babies and 1,577 female babies born with the name River.

The history of the first name River

The name River has its origins in the English language, emerging as a given name in the late 20th century. It is derived from the common noun "river," which refers to a natural watercourse flowing towards the sea, lake, or another river. The name gained popularity as part of the trend of using nature-inspired names.

Although the name River itself does not have a documented history in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it draws inspiration from the symbolic and metaphorical significance of rivers in various cultures. Rivers have often been revered for their life-giving properties, representing fertility, renewal, and the cycle of life.

One of the earliest recorded usages of River as a given name dates back to the late 1960s. River Phoenix, an American actor, and activist, born in 1970, was among the first notable individuals to bear this name. Tragically, he passed away in 1993 at a young age, but his legacy as a talented actor and advocate for environmental and humanitarian causes has endured.

Another notable individual named River is River Viiperi, a Spanish model born in 1991. He has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and walked the runway for prestigious fashion houses, exemplifying the name's association with natural beauty and flow.

In literature, River Tam is a prominent character from the science fiction series "Firefly" and its subsequent film "Serenity," created by Joss Whedon. Her name adds depth and symbolism to her character, who possesses extraordinary mental abilities and represents the flow of knowledge and understanding.

River Song, a character from the British science fiction series "Doctor Who," played by Alex Kingston, is another example of the name's use in popular culture. Her name reflects the enigmatic and ever-changing nature of her character, who appears and disappears throughout the Doctor's timeline like a river flowing through time and space.

Lastly, River Huston, born in 1970, is an American actress and the daughter of renowned actor John Huston and writer Celeste Holm. Her name continues the tradition of using nature-inspired names in the entertainment industry, evoking a sense of fluidity and grace.

While the name River may be relatively new in terms of its usage as a given name, it carries a rich symbolism deeply rooted in the natural world, making it a popular choice for parents seeking meaningful and evocative names for their children.

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 River was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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