Riven

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Riven

Pronounced RIV-ən /ˈrɪv.ən/High

Meaning: From the English word riven, 'split apart, torn, rent' (from Old Norse rifa); also a modern Riv- name; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Split apart: Riven is the word 'split apart, torn' (and a modern Riv- name). Bold, sleek, and striking. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowEnglish, Norse

MeaningFrom the English word riven, 'split apart, torn, rent' (from Old Norse rifa); also a modern Riv- name; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5558 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 188

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

Riven comes from the English word riven, 'split apart, torn, rent, cloven' (the past participle of 'rive', from Old Norse rifa) — and it also reads as a sleek modern Riv- name (echoing River; the video game Riven; routes layered, which we note). A bold, striking, modern word-name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, split-apart at the root, and striking.

Did you know? Riven means 'split apart, torn, rent' (from Old Norse rifa) — and reads as a sleek modern Riv- name (the myst-puzzle game Riven; the River Song echo) — a bold, striking word-name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note).

Overall data confidence 45%

References — riven — word origin

Variations

RivenneRiv

Nicknames

Riv

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Riven…

Raven— a fellow -en girls' name

Wren— a companion short nature girls' name

Haven— another -ven word-name

Rowen— lands in the same popularity range

Rylen— another unisex pick

Explore names like Riven

By themeuncertain english word-name unisex norse

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Riven mean?

Riven is the word 'split apart, torn' (Old Norse), and a modern Riv- name; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Riven?

It's said RIV-ən /ˈrɪv.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Riven a boy or girl name?

Riven is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Riven?

Riven is a very rare, recent name in the U.S.