Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name River.
National Rank (2025)
#220
All-Time Peak Rank
#149 (2021)
Total U.S. Births
19,675
Unisex Distribution66.8% Boy / 33.2% GirlBalance: Leans Male
💡 The River Vibe: This choice is considered a Modern Trend. A contemporary choice reflecting current cultural naming rhythms and popularity brackets.
📖 The Story Behind River
According to SSA data, River achieved its highest historical rank of #149 in 2021. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 2022 with 1,930 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have increased by 47.3%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 36 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name River scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
+47.3% Growth
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record1,930Births in 2022
Years in Top 100
0yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
36Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:0
1910s:0
1920s:0
1930s:0
1940s:0
1950s:0
1960s:0
1970s:0
1980s:5
1990s:267
2000s:1,394
2010s:8,201
2020s:9,808
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesRi-ver
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with R, a letter used by only 4.7% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with River? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics