MallowbyNames

Rhiann

REE-an · A variant of Rhiannon, possibly meaning 'great queen' or 'divine queen' from the Welsh name Rhiannon.

Peak popularity
2004
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Rhiann since 1988

Babies named Rhiann per year in U.S. Social Security records.

48121990200020102020Most births 2004Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s5
1990s42
2000s67
2010s24
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Rhiann is a Welsh name that emerged as a modern given name in the late 20th century. It first appeared in the U.S. data in 1988 and reached its peak popularity in 2004, the year it was most frequently recorded. Since then, its usage has remained stable, with no dramatic rise or decline. The name is a short form of Rhiannon, which has deep roots in Welsh mythology, but Rhiann itself has a more contemporary feel. While it has not attained high rank in the national statistics, its consistent, modest usage suggests it holds appeal for parents seeking a name with Welsh heritage and a simple, melodic sound. The digest shows no top states for Rhiann, indicating its usage is spread thinly across the country.

Rhiann is a modern Welsh diminutive or short form of Rhiannon, which derives from the Old Celtic name Rigantona, meaning 'great queen.' Rhiannon appears in Welsh mythology as a powerful figure in the Mabinogion. The shorter form Rhiann became increasingly used as an independent name in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Rhi, Annie, Ann

Variants: Riann, Rhian, Rhiain

Sibling names for Rhiann

Names that share Rhiann's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Elen, Gwen, Megan, Sioned, Lowri

Brothers: Dafydd, Iwan, Gruffudd, Emrys, Cai

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Rhiann, our favorite little girl.

R is for Rhiann…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Rhiann's letter becomes Rhiann's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Rhiann's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Rhiann mean?
Rhiann is a Welsh name, typically considered a short form of Rhiannon, which is thought to mean 'great queen' or 'divine queen' from the Celtic root *rigantona.
How popular is the name Rhiann currently?
Rhiann has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names in recent years. Its peak year was 2004, and it has remained stable in usage since.
Is Rhiann a boy or girl name?
Rhiann is predominantly used as a feminine name, though it can be unisex in some contexts.