Riva is a female given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word 'rivus', which means 'stream' or 'brook'. It was traditionally used as a surname before evolving into a given name. The name Riva gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century, likely influenced by celebrities such as American tennis player Chris Evert, whose nickname is "Riv". In some regions, it may also be associated with the Italian island of Ischia, known for its thermal spring called 'Il Negombo'. Riva is often used independently but can also form part of compound names like Riviera or Rivka.
The name Riva saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1940s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1952. The highest number of births recorded was in 2023, with 57 newborn girls named Riva. However, the total number of births has been declining since the early 2000s, indicating that the name's popularity may be waning.