"great queen"
Origin: Celtic via Welsh
Language: Welsh
Rihanna
Pronunciation: [ r-eeh-AHN-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,760 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Born to a queen — a name that rules the world
Arabic
Welsh
Caribbean
American
Bold
Modern
Strong
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"sweet basil"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"divine queen"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Very strongly associated with singer Rihanna — any child named Rihanna will be immediately associated with the superstar
The Story of Rihanna
Rihanna is an Anglicization of the Arabic name Rayhana or Rihana, meaning sweet basil or great queen. It is also related to the Welsh name Rhiannon, meaning great queen or divine queen, from the Celtic root rigantona. Barbadian singer Rihanna (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty) has made the name iconic worldwide.
Rihanna's meteoric rise to global superstardom from 2005 onward made her name instantly recognizable. Since her international breakthrough with Pon de Replay and subsequent hits, the name Rihanna has become synonymous with the singer globally.
Rihanna is one of the most commercially successful musicians of all time and a global fashion and beauty icon through Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. She performed at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show. Her success has made the name both an homage and a conversation starter.
Fun Facts
- Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling musicians of all time
- Rihanna's Fenty Beauty became the most successful celebrity beauty launch in history
- The Welsh name Rhiannon, sharing the same root meaning great queen, was immortalized by the Fleetwood Mac song
Rihanna in Other Languages
Welsh
Rhiannon
Arabic
Rayhana
French
Rihanna
Spanish
Rihanna
Barbadian
Rihanna
Famous People Named Rihanna
R
Rihanna
Musician
1988
Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman; one of the best-selling artists of all time and founder of Fenty Beauty
R
Rhiannon Fictional
Other
Goddess and queen in Welsh mythology, featured in the Mabinogion, associated with horses and the Otherworld
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,760
- Total SSA Count
- 115
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Welsh Caribbean American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ri
Anna
Pairs Well With
Rihanna Grace
Rihanna Marie
Rihanna Fenty
Rihanna Robyn
Rihanna Star
Rihanna Nicole
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Rihanna is also used as a boy name, ranked #32753.
View Rihanna as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Arabic)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rihanna
What does the name Rihanna mean?
"great queen" (from Celtic via Welsh). "sweet basil" (from Arabic). "divine queen" (from Celtic). Rihanna is an Anglicization of the Arabic name Rayhana or Rihana, meaning sweet basil or great queen. It is also related to the Welsh name Rhiannon, meaning great queen or divine queen, from the Celtic root rigantona. Barbadian singer Rihanna (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty) has made the name iconic worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Rihanna?
Rihanna has Celtic via Welsh, Arabic, Celtic, Welsh, Caribbean, and American origins. In Celtic via Welsh, it means "great queen". In Arabic, it means "sweet basil". In Celtic, it means "divine queen".
Is Rihanna a boy or girl name?
Rihanna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1760. As a boy name, it is ranked #32753. Rihanna is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Rihanna?
Rihanna is pronounced r-eeh-AHN-uh.
How popular is the name Rihanna?
Rihanna is currently ranked #1760 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Rihanna?
Common nicknames for Rihanna include Ri and Anna.
What are good middle names for Rihanna?
Popular middle name pairings include Rihanna Grace, Rihanna Marie, Rihanna Fenty, Rihanna Robyn, Rihanna Star, and Rihanna Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Rihanna?
Names that pair well with Rihanna as siblings include Beyonce, Nicki, Ariana, Jasmine, Amara, and Zara.
How many syllables does Rihanna have?
Rihanna has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Rihanna a common or rare name?
Rihanna is an uncommon name, ranked #1760 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Rihanna
Rihanna is a girl name with Arabic, Welsh, Caribbean, and American origins . The name means "great queen" in Celtic via Welsh .
Is Rihanna a boy or girl name? Rihanna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,760 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,753. Rihanna is more commonly used as a girl name.
Rihanna is currently ranked #1,760 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Rihanna has 3 syllables and is pronounced r-eeh-AHN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Rihanna include Ri and Anna. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.