River

In This Article

Origin, Meaning, And History Of River

River is a name of English origin that refers to a naturally flowing water body. The name River is believed to be derived from the Latin word ripa, which means ‘riverbank’ and signifies peace and growth. The name is used for both boys and girls.

River is also used as a surname since the 12th century. It was first recorded as a given name in the 17th century and spread worldwide. It also led to the birth of several variants of the name across different cultures and languages. They include Rowan and Rawan in Irish, Rivere in the northeastern part of China, and Rivka or Riva in Jewish culture. The Italian variation of the name is Rivver and Rivvera, while Rivv is a German variant of the name River.

Some diminutive forms or nicknames for River include Rivka, Rev, Riva, Rea, Riv, and Rive. River is a commonly used name, especially in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, and Canada for both boys and girls.

The name became popular in the US after several celebrities gave the name to their children. Famous pop singer Kelly Clarkson named her daughter River Rose. American musician Taylor Hnason also named his son River Samuel.

The name also left a mark on popular culture with many fictional characters in movies and books bearing this name. They include River Tam in the television show Firefly and the movie Serenity, River Wyles from Ken Gao’s To The Moon, River Carpenter in One Life to Live and River Baldwin in the American soap opera The Young and the Restless.

Famous personalities to bear the name include American actor River Alexander, American standup comedian and actor River Butcher, American football player River Cracraft, Taiwanese actor River Huang, and American actor, musician, and activist River Phoenix.

River

heart image
Someone who is like a river; Riverbank
Unisex
English
9
Two
1 word, 5 letters, 2 vowels, 3 consonants
Short and easy to pronounce

How To Pronounce River?

The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.

Listen to the sound of the name River in English.

Famous People With The Name River

  • River AlexanderAmerican actor, known for 2013’s summer indie hit The way, way back
  • River ButcherAmerican standup comedian, actor, writer, and producer, best known for personal and observational comedy
  • River CracraftAmerican football player, playing for Miami Dolphins in National Football League
  • River HuangTaiwanese actor, who won the best actor Golden Bell award for his debut movie Dangerous mind
  • River PhoenixAmerican actor, musician, and activist, best known for Stand by me and The bobby
  • River RadamusAmerican alpine ski racer from Colorado, who bagged Olympic gold medal thrice

River On MomJunction Popularity Chart

Know how popular the name River is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.

Names With Similar Sound As River

If you like the sound of River, you will also love these names with similar sounds. Check them out.

Popular Sibling Names For River

If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with River, check our suggestions here.

Boy Sibling Names For River

Find matching brother names for River and create a wonderful team of siblings.

Raff heart imageRaphe heart imageRaveen heart imageRavenor heart imageRavinger heart imageRayford heart imageReave heart imageReaves heart imageReef heart imageReeford heart image

Girl Sibling Names For River

Looking for some suitable sister names for River? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.

Raevynn heart imageRafenild heart imageRaivyn heart imageRavenild heart imageRavenna heart imageRavette heart imageRavon heart imageRevel heart imageReverie heart imageRiva heart image

Other Popular Names Beginning With R

Looking for more baby names starting with the letter R to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.

Names With Same Meaning As River

There are many other names that share the same meaning as River and are equally stylish. Have a look at the list below.

Popular Songs On The Name River

Acrostic Poem On River

Dive into the lyrical charm of the name River with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?

R
:

Reflecting radiance and practicing resilience.

I
:

Imagination beyond compare, an inspiration for everyone you care.

V
:

Vibrant smile and personality, infecting the room with pure joy.

E
:

Everything refined is how you can be defined.

R
:

Rosy-cheeked and bright-eyed, rousing hearts with soft kisses.

River’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name river. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.

Zodiac Sign (Rashi)

As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.

Rashi (zodiac sign)Tula (Libra)
Starting letters for Tula (Libra) rashiR, T
RepresentationBalance
ElementAir
Ruling bodyVenus
QualityMovable

Birth Star (Nakshatra)

Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.

The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Tula (Libra) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.

NakshatraDegrees Of The NakshatraNakshatra
Lord (Ruler)
Name Syllables
Chitra (Chitta, Chithira)Libra (0 to 6.40 degrees)MarsPe, Po, Ra, Raa, Ri, Ree
Swathi (Chothy, Chothi)Libra (6.40 to 20 degrees)RahuRu, Re, Ro, Roo, Ta, Taa
Visakha (Vishakam)Libra (20 to 30 degrees)JupiterTi, Tee, Too, Te, Tu, Tae, To

Infographic: Know The Name River‘s Personality As Per Numerology

name-numerology-for-river-unisex

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

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River In Different Languages

It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell River in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying River, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!

NameLanguageCode
RiverEnglishen
Chinesezh-CN
नदीHindihi
RiverSpanishes
RiverFrenchfr
نهرArabicar
নদীBengalibn
RiverPortuguesept
рекаRussianru
دریاUrduur
RiverIndonesianid
RiverGermande
Japaneseja
नदीMarathimr
నదిTelugute
RiverTurkishtr
நதிTamilta
RiverVietnamesevi
RiverTagalogtl
Koreanko
RiverHausaha
RiverSwahilisw
RiverJavanesejv
RiverItalianit
ਨਦੀPunjabipa
નદીGujaratigu
แม่น้ำThaith
ನದಿKannadakn
ወንዝAmharicam
नदीBhojpuribho
RiverYorubayo

How To Communicate The Name River In Sign Languages

In Nautical Flags

river

In Sign Language

river

In Braille Alphabet

river

In Morse Code

river

Name Numerology For River

Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name River, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.

Baby Name Lists Containing River

Movie Titles Inspired By The Name River

Discover the presence of River in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.

Movie titleOther titlesRelease year
Let the River FlowAnna joen virrata, Ellos eatnu - La elva leve, Ellos eatnu - Låt älven leva, Ellos eatnu - Let the River Flow, Lad elven leve2023
Mississippi River Styx2023
Up the River with Acid2023
River WildRivière sauvage, Yovvoyi daryo2023
Only the River FlowsHe bian de cuo wu, Tylko rzeka płynie, 河边的错误2023
River of Freedom2023
Coldplay: Music of the Spheres - Live at River Plate2023
Full River RedMan jiang hong, Manjianghong, Mungonghung, Полноводная красная река, 满江红, 滿江紅2023

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name River?

The name River means a naturally flowing water body or riverbank.

2. What is the origin of the name River?

River has an English origin.

3. Is River a unisex name?

Yes, River is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls. It is a popular name in the US, ranked 150 as a girl’s name and 105 as a boy’s name in 2022 (1).

4. Is River a name that is likely to stand out without being overly unique?

Yes, the name River can stand out because of its nature-themed connotation. It is distinctive from traditional names yet familiar because of its association with the waterbody. It is a simple name that is not unconventional or difficult to pronounce.

5. Does the name River evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility or adventure and exploration?

The name River can evoke a feeling of calmness and tranquility. It is inspired by the water body. The word ‘river’ brings forth an image of the gentle and constant movement of water, eliciting a sense of peacefulness and serenity. The name can also be associated with the ideas of adventure and exploration. Rivers have also been used as routes for exploration and trade in the past.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Popularity of name River.
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
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