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Rhiannon Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Rhiannon

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name RHIANNON. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Rhiannon

Gender

Female

Origin

Celtic

Lucky Number

3

Meaning of the Name

Rhiannon is a Welsh name derived from the Celtic goddess Rigantona, meaning 'great queen' or 'divine queen.' It is associated with themes of enchantment, horses, and birds in Celtic mythology.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

3

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Jupiter

Positive Nature

Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.

Negative Traits

Scattered, exaggerating.

Lucky Colours

Yellow, gold, purple.

Lucky Days

Thursday.

Lucky Stones

Yellow sapphire.

Harmony Numbers

1, 2, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Arts, writing, communication.

What People Like About You

Creativity, optimism.

Famous People Named Rhiannon

Rhiannon Giddens

Musician and Folk Artist

Grammy-winning musician known for reviving traditional African-American folk music and co-founding the Carolina Chocolate Drops

Rhiannon Fish

Actress

Australian actress known for roles in 'Home and Away' and 'The 100', establishing herself as a prominent young talent in television

Rhiannon Lassiter

Author

British fantasy and science fiction writer, daughter of author Mary Hoffman, known for her 'Hex' series of young adult novels

Rhiannon Leigh Wryn

Actress

American child actress known for her role in 'The Last Mimzy' and voice work in animated films

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Riannon Welsh Rihanna Modern Variation Rhian Welsh Short Form Rianon English Adaptation Rianna Italian/English

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Rhiannon holds profound significance in Welsh mythology as a major figure in the Mabinogion, the collection of medieval Welsh tales. She appears primarily in the First Branch as a beautiful, mysterious woman from the Otherworld who chooses Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, as her husband. Her story involves themes of sovereignty, wrongful accusation, and redemption. After being falsely accused of killing her infant son, she endured seven years of punishment before being vindicated when her son was miraculously returned. This mythological background establishes Rhiannon as a symbol of resilience, feminine power, and the connection between the mortal world and the Celtic Otherworld.

Her character represents the archetype of the horse goddess in Celtic tradition, often associated with Epona in Gaulish mythology. The name's etymology derives from the Celtic 'Rigantona,' meaning 'Great Queen,' linking her to sovereignty goddesses who legitimized kingship through marriage. This mythological heritage has made Rhiannon an enduring symbol of Welsh cultural identity and feminine strength throughout centuries. The character's journey from accused queen to restored matriarch reflects important Celtic cultural values regarding justice, endurance, and the restoration of rightful order.

Extended Personality Analysis

Individuals named Rhiannon are often perceived as possessing a mystical, artistic nature combined with remarkable inner strength. They typically exhibit creativity, intuition, and a deep connection to nature and spirituality, reflecting their mythological namesake's otherworldly origins. Many Rhiannons demonstrate strong leadership qualities and independence, embodying the 'Great Queen' meaning of their name through confident decision-making and natural authority. Their personality often includes a blend of grace under pressure and resilience in adversity, mirroring the mythological Rhiannon's ability to endure wrongful punishment with dignity.

These individuals tend to be deeply empathetic and nurturing, yet maintain a mysterious quality that draws others to them. They often excel in creative fields, healing professions, or leadership roles where their combination of intuition and strength can shine. The name carries an expectation of sophistication and cultural awareness, with many Rhiannons developing interests in mythology, music, or environmental causes that reflect their namesake's legacy. Their communication style is often poetic and persuasive, and they frequently serve as mediators or inspirational figures in their communities, balancing practical wisdom with spiritual insight.

Modern Usage & Popularity

Rhiannon has experienced significant popularity growth since the 1970s, largely driven by Fleetwood Mac's hit song. In the United States, the name entered the top 1000 in 1976 and peaked around #500 in the late 1990s. It maintains steady usage, particularly in Wales and among families with Celtic heritage. The name appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet established name with mythological depth and musical connections. Contemporary usage often reflects appreciation for Welsh culture, fantasy literature influences, and the desire for strong feminine names. While not among the most popular names, Rhiannon has established itself as a recognizable choice that balances uniqueness with cultural legitimacy. Its usage spans English-speaking countries, with particular strength in the UK, Australia, and North America among parents valuing Celtic heritage and literary/mythological references. The name continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its combination of musical fame, mythological weight, and elegant sound.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Rhiannon carries rich symbolic meanings rooted in her mythological origins. Primarily, she represents transformation and resilience—her story of wrongful accusation followed by redemption symbolizes the ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger. As a horse goddess figure, she embodies freedom, movement, and the connection between worlds. The white horses associated with her symbolize purity, spiritual journey, and otherworldly guidance. Rhiannon also represents sovereignty and feminine authority, serving as a symbol of the land's power and the queen who legitimizes royal rule. Her character symbolizes the balance between strength and grace, authority and compassion. Modern interpretations often view Rhiannon as an archetype of the independent woman who maintains her dignity and power regardless of circumstances. The name has come to symbolize artistic inspiration, spiritual depth, and the enduring power of mythological feminine figures in contemporary culture, making it a powerful choice that transcends its Welsh origins to speak to universal themes of feminine strength and transformation.

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