River
flowing water
- Origin
- English
- Religion
- Secular
- Gender
- Unisex
- Country
- United States
- Pronunciation
- RIH-ver
- Popularity
- rising
About the name River
River is a unisex name of English origin meaning "flowing water". It is most commonly used in Secular families and is especially popular in United States.
River belongs to the small group of English word-names taken from landscape features rather than plants or animals. It came into use in the 1970s counterculture and gained visibility through the actor River Phoenix. It is used for both boys and girls in the US, UK and Australia, and is one of the few nature names that reads as calm rather than delicate.
Popularity trend: River has been gaining ground with parents in recent years.
Reviewed by the Babbloom Editorial Team. Read our editorial methodology.
Frequently asked about River
- What does the name River mean?
- River means "flowing water". It's a unisex name of English origin, most commonly used in Secular families and popular in United States.
- Where does the name River come from?
- River originates from English. On Babbloom it's classified in the Secular naming tradition.
- Is River a boy or girl name?
- River is a unisex name — used for babies of any gender.