River
How to say it: RIV-ur · /ˈrɪvər/
English nature name referring to a flowing river; used as a given name since the mid-20th century.
River was the 124th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 4,540 babies of either sex (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 85% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #91 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #124 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 (both sexes) | 4,540 |
| Share of births | 1 in 709 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +85% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #91 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,436 among boys’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
A recent arrival, River blossomed in the 2020s. Still at its peak, it is likely to keep rising.
What goes with it
Breezy and soft, River carries a creative nature feel rooted in water. Willow matches its flow.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called River is about 1 in 30.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
In France: #2,436 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #111. Ireland: #399.
Famous people named River
- River Phoenix (1970–1993)American actor and musician (1970–2026
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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