Rivers are among the most ancient names of the British isles. They predate most of our placenames and certainly predate all our established surnames and first names. One of the reasons they are so enduring is partly due to the essential part they played in a community's survival. Their names often became the heart of the evolving settlements, and the names of the cities and towns that exist today.
There is also a long established connection between given names and river names. Many river names were originally derived from ancient deities, as with the Irish river Boyne, which most likely derives its name from the Celtic goddess Boann. Alternatively, some first names we use, such as Aled or Clyde, directly come from the names of rivers.
Listed below is a selection of rivers in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that either already are, or have potential as first names.
| Aeron Aline Allander Allen Allow Alwin Alyn Annalee Anton Arban Arran Arrow Ash Avon Bain Bedw Bedwyn Belah Blythe Bourne Boyd |
Boyne Bran Bray Brent Brue Calder Callan Cam Carron Cary Cassley Ceri Chess Clare Clyde Cole Colne Colwyn Connor Conon Corve |
Cynon Dane Daron Dee Derry Derwent Devon Douglas Dove Eden Einion Eitha Elan Ellen Ely Endrick Evelix Ewenny Faseny Fflur Finn |
Garry Glem Gowan Greta Hannon Hayle Irvine Isis Isla Ive Jed Kale Keer Keltie Kelty Kelvin Kemp Kenly Kensey Kerry Kyle |
Kym Lark Lea Leith Leri Leven Llia Lox Lyde Lyn Maree Marlais Medina Merin Mersey Ness Orrin Perry Polly Quinny Ray |
Rea Rhondda Roe Senni Shannon Shira Talla Tamar Tay Teifi Teign Teviot Tiddy Tirry Tora Trent Trystion Tyne Valency Waveney Wen |
