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Rio

Girl / Boy name · 646 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rio: 646 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 51 births in 2023.

Derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word for "river," Rio flows into English-speaking culture from that Iberian root, though it also appears as a Japanese name meaning "jasmine" or "village" depending on the kanji used. Its most famous bearers include the British musician Rio (born Peter Mayes), singer of the 1980s hit "Rio," and Brazilian footballer Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira, known simply as Rivaldo, who shares the name's riverine spirit. The name echoes most famously in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's iconic city, whose full name means "River of January." A modern gender-neutral choice, Rio has gained steady traction in Scotland since the 1990s, offering a short, vibrant option with a natural, global feel.