Rhiannon
/ree-AN-non/
Rhiannon is a Welsh girl's name pronounced /ree-AN-non/. Specifically meaning great queen, this name is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology and legend.
Meaning of Rhiannon
Specifically meaning great queen, this name is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology and legend.
Rhiannon is derived from the reconstructed Brittonic name Rigantona, combining 'rigan' meaning queen and the augmentative suffix 'on'. In the Medieval Welsh collection of tales known as the Mabinogion, she appears as a major figure associated with sovereignty, patience, and the underworld.
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- /ree-AN-non/
Cultural background
While historically Welsh, the name gained widespread international popularity in the 1970s following its use in Western popular music. It remains a classic choice in Wales and is frequently used across English-speaking countries.
Variations & nicknames
- Rhianon
- Riannon
- Rianne
- Rhian
- Rhia
- Ree
Frequently asked about Rhiannon
- What does Rhiannon mean?
- Rhiannon means 'Great Queen' or 'Divine Queen,' stemming from the Celtic roots 'rigan' (queen) and a divine suffix.
- How do you pronounce Rhiannon?
- It is typically pronounced ree-AN-on, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
- Is Rhiannon a boy or girl name?
- Rhiannon is traditionally and almost exclusively used as a feminine name.
- What is the mythological origin of Rhiannon?
- In the Mabinogion, Rhiannon is a powerful figure who first appears on a magical white horse that no one can catch unless she chooses to stop.
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