Rhian is a unique and beautiful name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "rhianedd" which means "small queen." The name has a rich history in Wales and was popular among the Welsh nobility during medieval times.
The earliest record of the name Rhian can be traced back to the 12th century, where it was used by several Welsh princesses. One notable figure was Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd, also known as Lady of the Snows, who was born in the late 11th century and is said to have been named Rhian after her mother's wishes.
Rhian has also gained popularity beyond Wales over the years. It has been used by several notable figures around the world, including Rhiannon Giddens, an American musician and singer-songwriter of Welsh descent, and Rhian Brewster, an English professional footballer who plays for Sheffield United.
In literature, the name Rhian appears in several works, most notably in "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis where it is used as a character's name. The name has also been used in various other forms of media, such as television shows and video games, further contributing to its popularity.
Overall, Rhian is a unique and beautiful name with a rich history and significance that makes it stand out among other names. Its Welsh origin gives it an exotic and mysterious touch, while its meaning adds a regal and powerful aura to it.
Statistics on the name Rhian show a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in 1977 with 10 births that year. However, its popularity fluctuated significantly over the following decades.
In the early 80s, Rhian experienced a brief period of increased usage, with 7 births each in 1980 and 1981. This trend continued into the late 80s and early 90s, with 5 births recorded annually between 1986 and 1990.
The year 2000 marked a notable resurgence for Rhian, with 6 births that year. This was followed by another spike in popularity in 2003 and 2004, when the name was given to 7 babies each year. However, from 2007 onwards, usage of the name began to decline once again.
Despite these fluctuations, Rhian has maintained a consistent presence among baby names throughout the years. From 1977 to 2021, there were a total of 126 births registered with this name in the United States alone.