Names › Boys' names › R › River
River
Meaning: river · Origin: English · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
A nature name from the English word; used for boys and girls.
Famous people named River
- River Phoenix (actor)
Nicknames
Riv
Variants & related names
Rio
River name art
A free preview of a printable “River” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name River mean?
River means “river”. It comes from English.
Is River a popular name?
Yes — River has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for River?
Riv.
What are other forms of River?
Rio.
Similar names
Jack · Hudson · Jackson · Mason · Wyatt · Carter
More: names starting with R · all boys' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.