Riven

♂ Boy

Riven Pronunciation

Riven is pronounced RIV-ən /ˈrɪv.ən/High

Meaning: From the English word riven, 'split, torn' (Old Norse rifa) — also a Myst game and League championMedium

In 30 seconds: Cleft like lightning-struck oak: Riven is the old word for 'split through' — and two beloved video-game legends. Dramatic, windswept, and screen-born twice.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Norse

MeaningFrom the English word riven, 'split, torn' (Old Norse rifa) — also a Myst game and League champion

U.S. rank (2024)#3752 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 255

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Riven comes from the English past participle 'split, cleft' — Old Norse rifa, 'to tear'. The Myst sequel and the League champion lifted the stormy word into name use.

It registers thinly in records. Very rare, cleft at the root, and atmospheric.

Did you know? Riven was the haunting 1997 sequel to Myst and later a sword-broken League of Legends exile — a word for 'torn' that keeps finding stories.

Overall data confidence 70%

Oxford English Dictionary — riven — word origin

Variations

RivanRyven

Nicknames

Riv

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Riven…

Ryder— a fellow swift modern pick

Raiden— the companion game-famous name

Wren— another windswept one-of-a-kind

Rylen— a fellow English choice

Ryden— a fellow English choice

→ See all names like Riven

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All Norse names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Riven?

Riven is pronounced RIV-ən (/ˈrɪv.ən/). Press play above to hear Riven said aloud.

How do you say Riven?

Riven is said RIV-ən (/ˈrɪv.ən/). Press play above to hear Riven said aloud.

What does the name Riven mean?

Riven is the English word for 'split, torn', from Old Norse rifa.

Is Riven a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Riven?

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