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

Popularity of Rivers by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rivers is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 68% of people named Rivers being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 49 male babies and 32 female babies born with the name Rivers.

The history of the first name Rivers

The given name Rivers has its origins in the English language, deriving from the word "river," which refers to a natural flowing watercourse. The name likely emerged during the Middle English period, between the 11th and 15th centuries, as a descriptive name or a locational surname.

The name Rivers may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who lived near a river or had some connection to a specific river. Over time, it transitioned from a surname to a masculine given name, albeit an uncommon one. The earliest recorded instances of the name being used as a first name date back to the late 17th century.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Rivers was the English philosopher and physician Sir Richard Rivers (1604-1670). He was known for his work in the field of medicine and his contributions to the study of human anatomy.

In the 18th century, Rivers Cavendish (1710-1783) was a British politician and courtier who served as Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. He was a prominent figure in the Court of King George III.

The 19th century saw the emergence of the American educator and Baptist minister Rivers Merrill (1811-1895). He was the first president of Merrill College in Wisconsin and played a significant role in the development of higher education in the state.

Another notable figure from the 19th century was the British explorer and author Rivers Pitt (1828-1892). He was known for his travels and writings about Africa, including his book "The Expedition to the Interior of Africa" published in 1860.

In the 20th century, the American actor and filmmaker Rivers Cuomo (born 1970) gained fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Weezer. His unique first name, which was originally a nickname derived from his surname, became widely recognized in the music industry.

While not a particularly common name, Rivers has maintained a presence throughout history, often associated with individuals who had connections to waterways, exploration, or artistic pursuits. Its origins as a descriptive name or locational surname have contributed to its enduring usage as a distinctive 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 Rivers was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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