Comments (Usage Only)

I think it should be noted that the popularity of this name is possibly contributed to River Phoenix. Especially noting the name hit the charts in 1994. Right after River’s 1993 death.
I named my son River in 1994, way before the 'wave' hit. I named him that for his strength, as a tiny preemie. Funny thing, his girlfriend now, at 25, thousands of miles from where he was born- her name is Rivers. I have a River & Rivers. How odd is that?
These days, River is both a feminine and a masculine name.
Looking at the United States popularity of this name, I notice that it hit the top 1000 for the first time in 1994, right after River Phoenix's 1993 death. I'm guessing that's not a coincidence. As for whether River makes a better boy's name or a better girl's name, I wonder if opinions about this fall along generational lines - if Generation X people associate it more with River Phoenix and think of it as a boy's name, whereas millennials might associate it more with River Tam from "Firefly"/"Serenity" and think of it as a girl's name.
I gave my child this name in early 2005, so we have been living with it for quite a while (over 9 years as I write). He is a boy, and is a quirky, messy haired intelligent thing and really suits his name. Oh, and a vegetarian. Does that make us 'hippies'? I don't know the criteria... is it bad to be a hippy? I don't wear flower crowns or own a camper van, though that sounds like fun! I am a teacher, I was looking for a name I had not already known in a school. He loves his name, so do I. A tiny amount of negativity perhaps but surely all names can be criticised? Nobody forgets him, and I have never regretted it for a moment. I did like River Phoenix, such a sad loss, but he wasn't named after him. I like his name being unusual so I discourage anybody from using it!
I'm surprised this name isn't listed as unisex on this site, considering that it is used on both boys and girls. I think it suits either gender, though it probably has more of a male legacy due to River Phoenix (great actor, died way too young). However, the character River Tam from the TV show "Firefly" and the movie "Serenity" has also lent the name feminine qualities. I would be more inclined to use River on a female, since that association is stronger for me.

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