"flowing, streaming"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Rhea
Pronunciation: [ r-EE-uh ]
Does Rhea flow with your last name?
The mother of the gods, ancient and flowing
English
American
Greek
Indian
Mythological
Elegant
Vintage
Earthy
Spiritual
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Meaning & Origin
"earth, great mother"
Origin: Greek/Phrygian
Language: English
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The Story of Rhea
Rhea is one of the oldest Greek names, borne by a Titan goddess in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia (sky and earth), and the mother of the Olympian gods Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. The name's etymology is uncertain but likely related to the Greek rheo (to flow) or the older Phrygian word for 'earth.' Rhea is also the name of Saturn's second-largest moon, discovered in 1672.
Rhea has experienced a quiet renaissance in the 2010s–2020s, rising alongside other short mythological names like Iris, Phoebe, and Thea. It appeals to parents who want a name that is classical, rare, and easily pronounceable in most languages.
In Greek mythology, Rhea was the 'Great Mother' or 'Mother of the Gods.' She famously tricked her husband Cronus (who was swallowing their children to prevent being overthrown) by giving him a stone wrapped in blankets instead of the infant Zeus. In Hinduism, Rhea is sometimes associated with Rhea Chakraborty, a prominent Bollywood actress.
Historical Record
Rhea first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 12,998 babies have been named Rhea in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Rhea is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #616 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rhea is one of Saturn's moons, discovered by Giovanni Cassini in 1672
- In Greek mythology, Rhea is the Titan mother who saved Zeus by tricking Cronus into swallowing a stone
Rhea in Other Languages
Greek
Ῥέα (Rhea)
Hindi
रिया (Riya/Rhea)
French
Rhéa
Italian
Rea
Spanish
Rea
Popularity Over Time
#616
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Rhea
R
R
Rhea Perlman
Actor
1948
American actress best known for playing Carla Tortelli in the NBC sitcom Cheers (1982–1993), for which she won four Emmy...
American actress best known for playing Carla Tortelli in the NBC sitcom Cheers (1982–1993), for which she won four Emmy Awards
R
Rhea (Greek Titan) Fictional
Other
In Greek mythology, the Titan goddess of fertility and motherhood, mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and H...
In Greek mythology, the Titan goddess of fertility and motherhood, mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia
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Compare Rhea with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #616
- Total SSA Count
- 484
- Cultural Origins
- English American Greek Indian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rea
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Rhea
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Rhea is also used as a boy name, ranked #29563.
View Rhea as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rhea
What does the name Rhea mean?
"flowing, streaming" (from Greek). "earth, great mother" (from Greek/Phrygian). Rhea is one of the oldest Greek names, borne by a Titan goddess in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia (sky and earth), and the mother of the Olympian gods Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. The name's etymology is uncertain but likely related to the Greek rheo (to flow) or the older Phrygian word for 'earth.' Rhea is also the name of Saturn's second-largest moon, discovered in 1672.
What is the origin of the name Rhea?
Rhea has Greek, Greek/Phrygian, English, American, and Indian origins. In Greek, it means "flowing, streaming". In Greek/Phrygian, it means "earth, great mother".
Is Rhea a boy or girl name?
Rhea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #616. As a boy name, it is ranked #29563. Rhea is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Rhea?
Rhea is pronounced r-EE-uh.
How popular is the name Rhea?
Rhea is currently ranked #616 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Rhea?
Common nicknames for Rhea include Rea.
What are good middle names for Rhea?
Popular middle name pairings include Rhea Grace, Rhea Jane, Rhea Mae, Rhea Josephine, Rhea Eloise, Rhea Charlotte, and Rhea Vivienne.
What are good sibling names for Rhea?
Names that pair well with Rhea as siblings include Orion, Theo, Athena, Phoebe, Luna, Castor, and Iris.
How many syllables does Rhea have?
Rhea has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rhea a common or rare name?
Rhea is moderately common, ranked #616 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Rhea?
About the Name Rhea
Rhea is a girl name with English, American, Greek, and Indian origins . The name means "flowing, streaming" in Greek .
Is Rhea a boy or girl name? Rhea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #616 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,563. Rhea is more commonly used as a girl name.
Rhea is currently ranked #616 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Rhea has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EE-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rhea include Rea. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Rhea include Rhema, Rheya . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis