Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Rhiannon
Rhiannon (pronounced hri-AN-ahn) is derived from an Old Celtic-Welsh name “Rigantona” meaning “great queen”. In Celtic mythology, Rhiannon/Rigantona was a prominent goddess and considered a “Great Queen”. She is also associated with fertility and the moon. In Welsh mythology, Rhiannon was an exceptionally beautiful goddess and skilled equestrian. A Welsh king by the name of Pwyll spotted the gorgeous woman wearing glittering gold on her white horse atop a magical mound. “Who knows that lady?” asked the king to his horsemen, but no one knew. Enamored by Rhiannon in all of her splendor, Pwyll sent his best horsemen after her. As they quickly rode toward her, they could never reach her. She was simply outside of their grasp. Finally, desperately, Pwyll called out to her himself. Rhiannon revealed to Pwyll that she’s come seeking him as well, that she loves only him, but has been promised to marry another (Gwawl). Pwyll and Rhiannon agree that Pwyll will come claim her at her father’s house in one year’s time. When that day approached, however, Pwyll foolishly and unwittingly gave his bride-to-be back to her original fiancé Gwawl (who cleverly tricked him). Rhiannon then devised a plan to outwit Gwawl when it came time to marry him in one year’s time. It involves a magical bag and Pwyll disguised as a beggar, but suffice it to say, Rhiannon and Pwyll finally married each other. During their marriage, Rhiannon secured an heir to her husband’s kingdom by birthing a son. But when the baby boy was mysteriously kidnapped in the middle of the night, the six ladies-in-waiting who were meant to watch over him (but slept on the job) devised a plan to accuse Rhiannon of infanticide by smearing dog’s blood on the sleeping queen (she was forced to do seven years penance for her so-called crime). In the meantime, the boy was discovered near a stable and raised by another couple until they realized his likeness to Pwyll (and thus his true identity), and so returned the boy to his rightful parents several years later. Although Rhiannon’s story is a somewhat obscure Celtic legend, the name became immortalized by a 1976 Fleetwood Mac song “Rhiannon”. The song is loosely based on “an old Welsh witch” as Stevie Nicks often announced in live performances. In truth, though, Rhiannon was both a goddess and a great queen. As the lyrics read in part: “Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night / And wouldn't you love to love her? / Takes through the sky like a bird in flight / And who will be her lover?” Sounds like a woman out of everyone’s grasp – you go girl! As a female given name, Rhiannon has had mild success in modern times (mainly among people of Celtic heritage). But for the most part, Rhiannon is a rare name.
All About the Baby Name – Rhiannon
Personality
OF THE GIRL NAME RHIANNON
The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.
Popularity
OF THE GIRL NAME RHIANNON
Surprise, surprise. Rhiannon first appeared on the U.S. female naming charts in 1976 – the year Fleetwood Mac released their hit song “Rhiannon”. In fact, the name debuted at a remarkable position of #593 right off the bat. If you look at the chart below, you’ll quickly realize the impact this song had on the usage of her name. Rhiannon got as high as #418 on the charts the following year (1977) and the achieved about the same at the end of the 20th century (1999). For whatever reason, the name dropped dramatically and finally fell off America’s Top 1000 list in 2008. Today the name is barely bestowed upon 100 baby girls per year (Rihanna the pop-star has stolen most of her thunder). Still, Rhiannon would be considered the proper, traditional Celtic-Welsh spelling of this name.
Quick Facts
ON RHIANNON
GENDER:
Girl
ORIGIN:
Celtic
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
3
RANKING POPULARITY:
N/A
PRONUNCIATION:
hri-AN-ahn
SIMPLE MEANING:
Great Queen
Characteristics
OF RHIANNON
