MallowbyNames

Riana

ree-AH-nuh · Little queen or graceful lily; of debated origin, possibly a blend of Ria and Anna, or a variant of Rhiannon meaning 'great queen'.

2025 rank (girls)
#5,099
Babies named in 2025
25
Peak popularity
2000
2025 frequency
1 in 64,291 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2001

Declining since 2001, #5,099 for girls today.

Popularity of Riana since 1976

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

4183124198020002020Most births 2000Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s45
1980s227
1990s583
2000s900
2010s341
2020s190

Meaning & origin

Riana is a modern feminine name that first entered U.S. records in 1976. It reached its peak popularity in 2000, when it ranked highest among baby names. Since 2001 the name has been on a downward trajectory, though it remains in use with a current rank of 5,099 in 2025. Parents today can expect about 1 in 64,291 newborn girls to be named Riana, reflecting its status as a rare but recognizable choice. The name's blend of the popular Ria and -ana suffixes gives it a melodic, contemporary feel without strong regional ties, as it has not been associated with any top states.

Riana likely emerged in the 20th century as a combination of the name Ria (a short form of Maria or a prefix from names like Gabriella) and the popular suffix -ana. It may also be influenced by the Welsh name Rhiannon, meaning 'great queen' from the mythological figure. The name has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries since the 1970s.

Riana” around the world

Where Riana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ria, Ana, Ri

Variants: Reanna, Rhiana, Rianna, Reyana

Sibling names for Riana

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

Sisters: Maya, Kira, Lena, Sienna, Nora

Brothers: Liam, Ethan, Caleb, Owen, Leo

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

R is for Riana, our favorite little girl.

R is for Riana…”

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

Make Riana's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Riana mean?
The meaning of Riana is debated. It is often interpreted as 'little queen' (from Rhiannon) or 'graceful lily' (from Ria and Anna combinations). Its true etymology is uncertain.
How popular is the name Riana today?
As of 2025, Riana ranked 5,099 in U.S. births, with about 1 in 64,291 girls given the name that year.
Is Riana a boy or girl name?
Riana is almost exclusively used for girls.