Rio

Meaning of Rio

Rio rolls off the tongue like a wave kissing Copacabana, and that’s no coincidence—its roots are Spanish and Portuguese, where río simply means “river,” forever flowing, fresh, and impossible to pin down. The name splashes with Latin flair, calling to mind the samba-soaked streets of Rio de Janeiro, the midnight-blue macaws of the animated film, and even the 80’s pop anthem that still makes feet tap. Unisex by nature, Rio skips past gender boxes with the breezy confidence of a Carnival dancer, promising parents a name that feels adventurous but never complicated. Its U.S. popularity has been steadily rising like the tide—leaping from outside the Top 800 in the early 2000s to cracking the mid-400s today—proving that more and more families are ready to dive into its sparkling waters. Pick Rio, and you gift your child a passport to perpetual motion, sunshine, and just a hint of playful mischief—all without leaving home.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as REE-oh (/ˈri.oʊ/)

• Leo
• Remy
• Rylan
• Rocco
• Ria
• River