River
Gender: Unisex
Meaning: A flowing body of water; one who lives by the river
Origin: Old French riviere — from Latin riparia (riverbank, relating to a river)
Popularity: Ranked #111 in 2025 with 3,139 babies born.
History: River is a nature name that arrived in American naming with a quietly dramatic impact. Actor River Phoenix — one of the most talented young actors of his generation before his death in 1993 — gave it an early artistic, almost mythological quality. The name began climbing in the 2010s and has entered the top 100 for both boys and girls, part of the sweeping wave of nature names — Willow, Sage, Forest, Brook — that defines contemporary naming. It carries a free-flowing, unhurried spirit that resonates with parents drawn to names that feel connected to the natural world.
Famous people named River: River Phoenix (actor), River Song (Doctor Who)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is River? About 1 in 733 babies born in 2025 were named River, or roughly 12.4 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about River
What does the name River mean?
River means “A flowing body of water; one who lives by the river” from Old French riviere — from Latin riparia (riverbank, relating to a river) roots.
What is the origin of the name River?
River has Old French riviere — from Latin riparia (riverbank, relating to a river) origin. The traditional meaning is “A flowing body of water; one who lives by the river”.
How popular is River?
River ranked #111 in 2025 — given to 3,139 babies that year.
When was River most popular?
River peaked in 2021 with 3,503 babies registered that year.
Is River a boy or girl name?
River is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 67% of Rivers are boys and 33% are girls.
Is the name River rising or falling in popularity?
River has risen 73 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #184 in 2020 to #111 in 2025.
How long has River been recorded?
River appears in birth records across 46 years — from 1971 through 2025.