What does Rhiannon mean and where does it come from?
Rhiannon is a traditional Welsh name with roots in mythology, associated with a goddess of fertility and the moon in Celtic folklore. It embodies themes of power and majesty, hence its translations as 'great queen' or 'divine'. Rhiannon appears in the Mabinogi, a collection of medieval Welsh tales w
Cultural significance
Rhiannon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Wales-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #418 in 1977 — currently #1157 in the US.
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Related Reading
Wales-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rhiannon?
Rhiannon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rhiannon Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rhiannon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rhiannon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rhiannon Claire
French influence · crisp
Rhiannon Jane
Literary · strong
Rhiannon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rhiannon right now?
Declining — down 31 spots — currently #1157 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1157 | 210 | ▼ down 31 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #1126 | 219 | ▼ down 19 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #1107 | 224 | ▲ up 59 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #1166 | 199 | ▲ up 581 · +66% births |
| 2015 | #1747 | 120 | ▼ down 321 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #1426 | 161 | ▼ down 681 · -56% births |
| 2005 | #745 | 362 | ▼ down 292 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #453 | 612 | ▲ up 174 · +75% births |
| 1995 | #627 | 350 | ▲ up 45 · +9% births |
| 1990 | #672 | 320 | ▼ down 5 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #667 | 272 | ▼ down 167 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #500 | 408 | ▲ up 3867 · +2620% births |
| 1975 | #4367 | 15 | — |
The story of Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. A total of 14,486 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4367 in 1975 to #1157 in 2023. Rhiannon is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rhiannon in 1977:
Rhiannon by decade
Rhiannon peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 1,666 | |
| 1980s | 3,281 | |
| 1990s | 3,833 | |
| 2000s ★ | 4,072 | |
| 2010s | 1,435 | |
| 2020s | 199 | |
What are good nicknames for Rhiannon?
Common
RhiRhiaRhiieRhiyAnnon
What names sound and feel like Rhiannon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rhiannon also consider these
How is Rhiannon written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rhiannon
What does the name Rhiannon mean?
Rhiannon means "Welsh" — a name rooted in Wales tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Rhiannon?
Rhiannon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rhiannon have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rhiannon?
Rhiannon originates from Wales tradition. Wales names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Rhiannon trending right now?
Rhiannon is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Rhiannon a common or rare name?
Rhiannon is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.