Rhian

♀ Girl

Pronounced REE-ahn /ˈriː.ən/Medium

Meaning: A Welsh name Rhian, 'maiden; young woman,' also read as a short form of Rhiannon ('great queen; divine queen'). Lyrical and Celtic.Low

In 30 seconds: A lyrical Welsh name: Rhian means 'maiden,' and shortens Rhiannon (said 'REE-ahn'). Celtic and soft.

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Origin MediumWelsh

MeaningA Welsh name Rhian, 'maiden; young woman,' also read as a short form of Rhiannon ('great queen; divine queen'). Lyrical and Celtic.

U.S. rank (2024)#10882 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 889

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rhian comes from the Welsh for 'maiden,' and doubles as a short form of Rhiannon. It reads soft and Celtic - rare in the U.S. (said 'REE-ahn').

It appears rarely in the U.S., more familiar in Wales. Rare, lyrical, and Celtic.

Did you know? Rhian is Welsh for 'maiden; young woman,' and also a short form of Rhiannon ('great queen') - a lyrical, distinctly Celtic name (said 'REE-ahn').

Overall data confidence 50%

References - Rhian — Welsh 'maiden'; short for Rhiannon

Variations

RhianneRhiannRian

Nicknames

RhiAnn

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rhian…

Rhiannon— the queen name it shortens

Rhianna— a like Rh- Welsh name

Rianne— a like soft -ian name

Meghan— a similarly popular pick

Tegan— echoes that soft -an sound

Explore names like Rhian

By themesoft welsh celtic lyrical

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rhian mean?

Rhian is Welsh for 'maiden; young woman,' and a short form of Rhiannon ('great queen').

How do you pronounce Rhian?

It's said REE-ahn /ˈriː.ən/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rhian a boy or girl name?

Rhian is a girl's name.

How popular is Rhian?

Rhian is a rare name in the U.S.