Rihana

“Sweet basil”

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#8391US 2023

13Births / yr

↓Falling

642All-time births

📅 Since 198300

How to pronounce Rihana

REYE·hun·AH

/ˈraɪ.hən.ˈɑ/ · stress on REYE · 3 syllables

“Sweet basil”

Arabic origin · Girl name

What does Rihana mean and where does it come from?

Rihana is an Arabic name that refers to 'sweet basil,' a fragrant herb. The name is also popular in various cultures due to its melodic sound. In recent times, the name gained international recognition with famous figures like Rihanna, the Barbadian singer and actress. Variations of the name can inc

Cultural significance

Rihana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sweet basil.

Peak popularity

Reached #2304 in 2007 — currently #8391 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Rihana?

Rihana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Rihana Grace

How popular is Rihana right now?

Falling — down 1166 spots — currently #8391 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#8391 · Top 6.2%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8391	13	▼ down 1166 · -19% births
2022	#7225	16	▲ up 5976 · +129% births
2021	#13201	7	▼ down 6215 · -56% births
2020	#6986	16	▲ up 5229 · +100% births
2015	#12215	8	▼ down 8979 · -84% births
2010	#3236	51	▲ up 2674 · +143% births
2005	#5910	21	▲ up 3640 · +110% births
2000	#9550	10	▼ down 275 · +11% births
1995	#9275	9	▲ up 1779 · +29% births
1990	#11054	7	▼ down 2792 · -12% births
1985	#8262	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rihana

Best Year2010Rank #3236

Peak Count51

Average Rank#8664

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Rihana

Rihana is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 642 total births recorded, Rihana remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Rihana in 2007:

Emily Isabella Emma Ava Madison

Rihana by decade

Rihana peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	24
1990s	60
2000s ★	352
2010s	190
2020s	16

💎Rihana has only 642 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rihana?

Common

RihRihieRihyAna

Famous people named Rihana

Rihana (Quranic figure)

Rihana appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Rihana (Sufi mystic)

Rihana used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Rihana (Islamic scholar)

Rihana bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Rihana (Quranic figure)

Rihana appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

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What names sound and feel like Rihana?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rihana also consider these

Arabic · the light of

Common questions about the name Rihana

What does the name Rihana mean?

Rihana means "Sweet basil" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Rihana?

Rihana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rihana have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Rihana?

Rihana originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Rihana?

Rihana is a three-syllable name pronounced R AY1 HH AH0 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Rihana?

Rihana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.