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Rio

♂ Boy

Pronounced REE-oh /ˈriː.oʊ/High

Meaning: From Spanish and Portuguese rio meaning 'river,' derived from Latin rivus ('stream, brook'); used as a place-name element and increasingly as a given name evoking flow and vitalityHigh

In 30 seconds: Rio is a sun-drenched two-syllable name meaning 'river' in Spanish and Portuguese. Effortlessly cool and globally recognized, it carries the spirit of Brazil's iconic city and the open water.
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Origin HighSpanish, Portuguese
MeaningFrom Spanish and Portuguese rio meaning 'river,' derived from Latin rivus ('stream, brook'); used as a place-name element and increasingly as a given name evoking flow and vitality
U.S. rank (2025)#532 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births563 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,525

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419202025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rio comes from Spanish and Portuguese río / rio, meaning 'river,' derived from Latin rivus ('stream, brook'). It features in some of the most famous place names in the Americas, most notably Rio de Janeiro ('River of January') and Rio Grande ('Great River'). As a personal name it carries the metaphorical resonance of water — constant motion, life-giving force, and natural freedom.

Rio as a given name gained traction in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s, partly through Latin American cultural influence and partly through pop-culture associations including Duran Duran's 1982 hit 'Rio' and the animated film Rio (2011). It ranks in the U.S. top 400 for boys and is popular across Hispanic communities as well as among parents seeking a short, vibrant international name.

Did you know? Rio de Janeiro means 'River of January' in Portuguese — a name given by explorers who mistook Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a great river when they arrived in January 1502.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Rio — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Río

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Rio…

Leo— short, punchy Latin-rooted boys' name with the same effortless international appeal
Mateo— Spanish boys' name with the same Latin American cultural warmth and rhythm
Hugo— two-syllable Romance-language boys' name with the same breezy, global character
Marco— fellow Spanish/Italian classic with the same sun-soaked Mediterranean feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rio mean?

Rio means 'river' in Spanish and Portuguese, from Latin rivus. It evokes flowing water, vitality, and the iconic Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro.

How do you pronounce Rio?

It is said REE-oh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rio a boy or girl name?

Rio is used primarily as a boys' name, though it occasionally appears for girls as well.

How popular is Rio?

Rio ranks in the U.S. top 400 for boys and is rising, with particular popularity in Hispanic communities and among parents seeking short international names.