Declining since 2006.
Popularity of Rhian since 1977
Babies named Rhian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 | 16 |
| 1980s | 54 | 24 |
| 1990s | 109 | 10 |
| 2000s | 351 | 33 |
| 2010s | 288 | 29 |
| 2020s | 71 | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Rhian, a Welsh name meaning 'maiden', first appeared in U.S. records in 1977 and reached its peak popularity in 2005. Since 2006, its usage has been steadily falling, mirroring the trend of many traditional Welsh names that saw a brief spike in the early 2000s. Though it has never ranked in the top 1,000, its one-in-N statistic remains unavailable, suggesting relatively rare usage. The name is a short form of the mythological Rhiannon, giving it a subtle literary and cultural depth. While it has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state, its appeal lies in its simplicity and strong Welsh heritage.
Rhian is a Welsh name derived from the word 'rhiain', meaning 'maiden' or 'young woman'. It is often considered a shortened form of Rhiannon, the name of a prominent figure in Welsh mythology associated with horses and the otherworld. The name gained modern use in Wales and beyond during the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rhi, Ann
Sibling names for Rhian
Names that share Rhian's style, for a brother or sister.
