English unisex name
River Name Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation
River means flowing water. From the English word for a flowing body of water, from Old French riviere.
River is a nature name taken straight from the English word, which came through Old French from the Latin ripa, meaning bank. Rivers appear in many cultural traditions as symbols of life, change, and journeys, and some are considered sacred, such as the Jordan and the Ganges. The name entered use as a given name in the twentieth century, when parents began to borrow words from the natural world, and it suits both boys and girls. Actor River Phoenix, who died young, is a famous earlier bearer. It sounds fluid and relaxed, and it pairs well with other nature names.
Variants of River
RiversRioRivièreRiviera
Well-known people named River
River Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name River mean?
River means "flowing water". From the English word for a flowing body of water, from Old French riviere.
How do you pronounce River?
River is pronounced RIV-er.
What is the origin of River?
River is of English origin. From the English word for a flowing body of water, from Old French riviere.