Rhiannon of Welsh Mythology
A legendary queen and horse goddess from the Mabinogion, symbolizing sovereignty and magic.
IPA Pronunciation
rɪˈænən
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Syllables
Rhiannan is a Welsh name derived from the ancient Welsh elements 'rhiain' meaning 'maiden' or 'queen' and the suffix '-an' denoting 'divine' or 'great.' Historically, it is associated with nobility and grace, often interpreted as 'great queen' or 'divine queen.' The name reflects Welsh cultural reverence for powerful female figures and mythological queens.
Cultural Significance of Rhiannan
Rhiannan and its close variant Rhiannon hold a special place in Welsh culture and mythology. Rhiannon is a prominent figure in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales, where she is portrayed as a strong, mystical queen associated with horses and sovereignty. The name symbolizes strength, femininity, and mystical grace, resonating with Welsh heritage and storytelling traditions.
Rhiannan Name Popularity in 2025
In modern times, Rhiannan is less common than its variant Rhiannon but is gaining appreciation for its lyrical sound and cultural depth. It appeals to parents looking for unique yet meaningful names with Celtic roots. The name fits well in contemporary contexts, balancing tradition with a fresh, melodic appeal, often chosen by those valuing heritage and individuality.
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International Variations12
Name Energy & Essence
The name Rhiannan carries the essence of “Great queen or divine queen” from Welsh tradition. Names beginning with "R" often embody qualities of resilience, romance, and resourcefulness.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Rhiannan and its close variant Rhiannon hold a special place in Welsh culture and mythology. Rhiannon is a prominent figure in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales, where she is portrayed as a strong, mystical queen associated with horses and sovereignty. The name symbolizes strength, femininity, and mystical grace, resonating with Welsh heritage and storytelling traditions.
Rhiannan Nic Aodh
A 16th-century Welsh noblewoman known for her patronage of the arts and Welsh poetry.
Rhiannan ferch Llywelyn
Daughter of Llywelyn the Great, a prince of Gwynedd, noted in historical Welsh genealogies.
Rhiannan ap Gwilym
Medieval Welsh bard known for composing praise poems to Welsh royalty.
Rhiannan ferch Gruffudd
Welsh noblewoman mentioned in historical records for her role in local governance.
Rhiannan of Anglesey
A legendary figure associated with the Isle of Anglesey, linked to ancient druidic traditions.
Rhiannan ferch Owain
Known for her involvement in medieval Welsh poetry competitions and bardic traditions.
Rhiannan of Pembrokeshire
Historical figure noted in Pembrokeshire folklore as a wise woman and healer.
Rhiannan Iffland
High Diver
Rhiannan Lassiter
Author
Rhiannan Pratchett
Video Game Writer
Rhiannan Evans
Actress
Rhiannan Giddens
Musician
Rhiannan Williams
Scientist
Rhiannan Davies
Poet
Rhiannan Morgan
Artist
Powers ()
Wolf Hall ()
The Pact ()
Casualty ()
Doctors ()
Hinterland ()
Endeavour ()
A Discovery of Witches ()
Rhiannan
🌐Spanish
Rhiannan
🌐French
Rhiannan
🌐German
Rhiannan
🌐Italian
リアナン
🌐Japanese
瑞安南
🌐Chinese
ريانان
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Rhiannan
Rhiannan is a less common variant of Rhiannon, which became internationally known thanks to the 1975 Fleetwood Mac song 'Rhiannon,' inspired by Welsh mythology.
Personality Traits for Rhiannan
Individuals named Rhiannan are often perceived as graceful, strong-willed, and creative. They possess an aura of quiet confidence and charm, with a natural inclination toward leadership and empathy. The name suggests a blend of mysticism and groundedness, attracting personalities that are both imaginative and reliable.
What does the name Rhiannan mean?
Rhiannan is a Welsh name meaning “Great queen or divine queen”. Rhiannan is a Welsh name derived from the ancient Welsh elements 'rhiain' meaning 'maiden' or 'queen' and the suffix '-an' denoting 'divine' or 'great.' Historically, it is associated with nobility and grace, often interpreted as 'great queen' or 'divine queen.' The name reflects Welsh cultural reverence for powerful female figures and mythological queens.
How do you pronounce Rhiannan?
Rhiannan is pronounced (IPA: rɪˈænən). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Rhiannan?
Popular nicknames for Rhiannan include: Rhi, RhiRhi, Nanna, Ann, Rhea, Rinny, Rina, Nan, Rian, Annie.
Who are famous people named Rhiannan?
Famous people named Rhiannan include: , , , , .