Declining since 2008, #2,139 for girls today.
Popularity of Rihanna since 2000
Babies named Rihanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 3,346 |
| 2010s | 2,495 |
| 2020s | 771 |
Meaning & origin
Rihanna entered U.S. records in 2000 and climbed rapidly, reaching its peak rank of 2,139 in 2008 when it was given to approximately 1 in 18,474 girls. Since 2008, its popularity has been falling, reflecting the normal trajectory for a name that spiked in awareness due to a famous bearer. The name has been most popular in Massachusetts, New York, and Washington. Rihanna is a transliteration of the Arabic Rayhana, meaning 'sweet basil,' and carries a botanical, fragrant association. Despite the strong celebrity link, the name has roots in Arabic-speaking communities and predates modern fame. Its sound and spelling fit well with other Arabic-origin names like Aaliyah and Zahra, and it appeals to parents drawn to melodious, international names.
Rihanna is an English transliteration of the Arabic name ريهانة (Rayhana), which means 'sweet basil' or 'fragrant herb.' It is the feminine form of Rayhan, derived from the Arabic word rayhan, referring to aromatic plants. The name gained international recognition through the Barbadian singer Rihanna (born 1988), though its use as a given name in the United States predates her fame.
Where Rihanna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rihanna” around the world
Where Rihanna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ri, Riri, Anna
Sibling names for Rihanna
Names that share Rihanna's style, for a brother or sister.
