Rhiannon
Female nameWelsh
✨ Meaning
Rhiannon derives from a reconstructed Celtic form Rigantona, meaning 'great queen,' built on a root meaning king or ruler with an augmentative ending. It is one of the few Welsh names whose ancient form can be reconstructed with reasonable confidence, and the meaning matches the character's role in the stories exactly.
🌍 Origin
Rhiannon appears in the first and third branches of the Mabinogi, the medieval collection of Welsh tales, as a figure of great dignity who arrives on a white horse and is associated with birds whose song can wake the dead. The name entered wider English-speaking use in the twentieth century and is well established in Wales.
⭐ Famous People Named Rhiannon
- Rhiannon Giddens
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rhiannon mean?
Rhiannon means 'great queen,' from a reconstructed Celtic Rigantona.
How is Rhiannon pronounced?
It is ree-AN-on. The Welsh rh is a voiceless r, which English speakers usually approximate as a plain r.
Who is Rhiannon in Welsh legend?
A central figure in the Mabinogi who arrives on a white horse and is associated with birds whose song can wake the dead.