River: meaning and origin

About the name River

River is a girl or a boy’s name from the English tradition. Its meaning is “a flowing body of water”. Names from Old English and English words and surnames — like Harper, Hudson, Willow and Wyatt.

It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.

More names with a similar meaning: names that mean sea or water.

Tips before you choose

• Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
• Check the initials — and what they spell.
• Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
• Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?