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Rhiannon
Fact sheet
- Name
- Rhiannon
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Rhiannon is a female first name with modern Welsh roots and an ancient Celtic origin. In Welsh mythology, particularly in 'The Four Branches of the Mabinogi,' Rhiannon is referred to as the 'May Queen.'
What does the name Rhiannon mean?
The first name Rhiannon has its roots in Celtic and is closely linked to Welsh mythology. There, she is described as the 'May Queen' and corresponds to the deity Rigani Epona, revered in Celtic culture, associated with fertility, horses, and the moon. The name stands for fertile women and was honored by both the Celts and the Romans. It can be directly translated as 'the great queen' or 'the great divine queen,' making it a significant figure. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic name Rigantona, derived from the word rigan meaning 'the queen' or 'the goddess' and carrying the divine suffix -on. In the Mabinogion, Rhiannon is depicted as a young goddess who falls in love with a mortal prince named Pwyll after encountering him on a white horse. After Pwyll agrees to marry her, she later marries the sea god Manawydan, which presents both a beautiful and tragic story. Variants of the name include Riana, Rianna, Rhianna, Rhena, Rhian, Rhiana, Rhieanna, Reannon, Riannon, and Rhianon.
Where does the name Rhiannon come from?
The name Rhiannon comes from Celtic and means 'the great queen.' It is composed in Old Welsh and Celtic of the elements rigan, meaning 'the queen' or 'the goddess,' and the divine suffix -on. The language in which this name is rooted is Welsh.
How do you pronounce Rhiannon?
The pronunciation of Rhiannon is three syllables and clearly structured. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Ri-an-non' [ʁiˈanɔn]. It begins with a bright onset that immediately catches the ear. The middle syllable carries a slight emphasis, giving the sound structure. The final 'n' provides a gentle, closed ending. Overall, Rhiannon sounds melodic and grounded, with a balanced and harmonious sound flow.
Popularity
In Germany, Rhiannon is a rare first name. In 2023, it ranked 5,633rd among the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2010 at rank 2,348. In the last ten years, Rhiannon has been given as a first name fewer than ten times, placing it at 11,442nd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 7,455th.
Nicknames & pet names
Anni / Annie / Nonny / Rhi / Rhia / Rhian / RhiRhi / Ria / Rio
Famous people
- Claire Rhiannon Holt (Australian actress)
- Rhiannon (Celtic goddess)
- Rhiannon Fish (Canadian actress)
- Rhiannon Giddens (American musician)
- Rhiannon Lassiter (English author)
Frequently asked questions about the name Rhiannon
Where does the name Rhiannon come from?
The name Rhiannon has Celtic roots and is closely linked to Welsh mythology. It is composed of the elements 'rigan,' meaning 'the queen' or 'the goddess,' and the suffix '-on.'
What does the first name Rhiannon mean?
Rhiannon is often translated as 'the great queen' or 'the great divine queen.' In Welsh mythology, she is known as the 'May Queen' and is associated with fertility, horses, and the moon.
How popular is the name Rhiannon?
Rhiannon enjoys stable popularity, especially in English-speaking countries. The name has gained popularity in recent years and is often associated with a strong, mystical female figure.