Names That Mean River

Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life.

The surname Bennington denoted someone from one of three towns name Ben(n)ington in England, all meaning "town by the Beane river." The river name Beane was derived from Beonna, an Old English given name.

The lovely sound and image of the French river and lush valley would make this a most distinctive and captivating choice. Pronunciation: low-ahr.

Most closely associated with famed English novelist George Orwell (whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair), this English surname is now occasionally sported as a literary first name. Given its meaning, Orwell could also be used by those looking for a more subtle alternative to River.

One-of-a-kind yet part of the popular crowd, Leodis is a totally unique choice that fits in with the trending Leo- names of today. Keke Palmer chose it for her son Leodis Andrellton, writing, "Born during Black History Month, with a name to match!"

The Turkish name for the Danube River. Tuna is technically a unisex name in Turkey, yet it is more common among boys.

A name gaining recognition in Australia, based on the huon pine tree which grows in Tasmania. Boatbuilders especially love this rare wood, which floats well, is resistant to rot, and has a strong pine-y scent.

An example of the Welsh love of naming children after rivers and places. Colwyn is rare in the States but has genuine appeal: no hidden spelling traps, and similar-yet-different to names like Colton, Colson and Colin.

Possible middle name for devotees of detective Sherlock...or the actress Katie.

Duna refers the Hungarian word for the Danube River or to the Icelandic term for the down of a duck. Duna also bears a resemblance to both Dune and Djuna. In this era of word names and invented names, Duna may have a bright future.

Compact and creative, it has been associated with one-time Cagney & Lacey star Tyne Daly.

Has a pleasant Scottish burr.

The river Ganges in India is also called Jahnavi (literally "daughter of Jahnu") due to a legend involving the sage Jahnu. The Ganges river destroyed his fields, so Jahnu drank up all of the river's water to punish her. The Gods prayed to the sage to release the Ganges, and Jahnu relented and released the Ganges from his ear.

Brings to mind the romantic and elegant eighteenth century portraits of George Romney.

Variant of Kendall

A sharp and interesting Kurdish name derived from the name of a river and mountain in the region.

Truly a cross-cultural name, with usage in Germany, Scandinavia, India, France, and Iceland.

A totally one-of-a-kind Waverly alternative with historic roots.

Soft and rhythmic.

River is rising as a new favorite name, and names of rivers are also increasingly used for our child.