Rio
Rio is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning “River”, pronounced REE-oh. It ranked #532 in the United States in 2025, given to 563 babies, and peaked at #517 in 2024. Common nicknames: Ri.
How popular is Rio in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Rio mean, and where does it come from?
Rio is the Spanish and Portuguese word for a river, and it carries two cities behind it — Rio de Janeiro, named by Portuguese sailors who mistook a bay for a river mouth in January 1502, and Rio Grande, which is simply the big river. It is also a Japanese name written with several different characters. American records hold it from 1920; it entered the top thousand in 2020 and is still climbing. Duran Duran's 1982 single kept it in British ears for a generation.
How is Rio used around the world?
Rio is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Rio?
Famous People Named Rio
- Rio Ferdinand — English international footballer and Premier League champion
- Rio Mavuba — French professional footballer
Similar Names to Rio
If you like Rio, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Rio
Looking for names that pair well with Rio? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rio mean?
Rio is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning "River." Rio is the Spanish and Portuguese word for a river, and it carries two cities behind it — Rio de Janeiro, named by Portuguese sailors who mistook a bay for a river mouth in January 1502, and Rio Grande, which is simply the big river. It is also a Japanese name written with several different characters.
How do you pronounce Rio?
Rio is pronounced REE-oh. Common variations include Río, Rios, Ryo.
Is Rio a boy name?
Yes, Rio is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ri.