Riot is a unique and unconventional given name of English origin, derived from the surname which was originally an occupational name for a rioter or rebel. The name Riot first appeared as a given name in the late 20th century and has since gained popularity, particularly among those seeking distinctive names for their children.
The meaning of the name Riot is "noisy disturbance," reflecting its origin from the Middle English word 'riote,' which denoted tumult or uproar. Despite this potentially negative connotation, many people are drawn to the name Riot due to its edgy and powerful sound, as well as its association with individuality and nonconformity.
In history, there have been notable figures with the surname Riot, such as the French mathematician and astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827), whose full name was Pierre-Simon, Marquis de Laplace. However, there are no significant historical figures with the given name Riot.
Today, Riot is typically used as a masculine given name, although it can also be used for females. It has been used sparingly throughout history but has seen an increase in popularity since the 1980s, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Some famous people with the name Riot include American singer-songwriter Riott (born Stephanie Taylor), better known by her stage name Rico Nasty, and Canadian musician Andrew Riot, who is a member of the punk rock band No Warning.
In popular culture, the name Riot has been used in various forms of media. For example, it appears as a character's last name in the animated television series "Futurama," and it was also the title of a 2017 film directed by Greg McLean, featuring a group of young people trapped in an Australian outback town during an annual event known as "The Riot."
In summary, the given name Riot is of English origin and means "noisy disturbance." It first appeared as a given name in the late 20th century and has since gained popularity for its distinctive sound and association with individuality. Although there are no significant historical figures with this name, it has been used sparingly throughout history and has seen an increase in popularity in recent decades.
The name Riot has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past decade and a half. In 2007, there were only 9 babies named Riot, but by 2023, that number had grown to 105 births in a single year.
From 2008 to 2022, the annual number of births with the name Riot has consistently increased, with some notable spikes. For instance, there were 55 babies named Riot in 2012, marking a significant jump from the previous year's total of 36. This trend continued, with another substantial increase in 2021 when 85 babies were named Riot.
The most recent data available shows that there were 109 births for the name Riot in 2022, indicating a continuing rise in popularity. In fact, since 2016, the number of annual births with the name Riot has more than doubled, from 73 to 109.
Overall, between 2007 and 2023, there have been a total of 977 babies named Riot born in the United States. This steady increase over time suggests that the name Riot is becoming more widely accepted and embraced as a viable option for parents choosing a name for their child.