NameCensus.

UK surname

Riviere

A surname derived from the French word for "river" or "stream".

In the 1881 census there were 49 people recorded with the Riviere surname, ranking it #26,735 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 190, ranked #20,262, up from #26,735 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Norfolk, Lincoln and Hackney.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Riviere is 198 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 287.8%.

1881 census count

49

Ranked #26,735

Modern count

190

2016, ranked #20,262

Peak year

2015

198 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Riviere had 49 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #26,735 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 190 in 2016, ranked #20,262.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 49 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Riviere surname distribution map

The map shows where the Riviere surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Riviere surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Riviere over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 30 #27,891
1861 historical 29 #30,287
1881 historical 49 #26,735
1891 historical 36 #31,465
1901 historical 48 #28,808
1911 historical 47 #28,110
1997 modern 139 #22,132
1998 modern 156 #21,144
1999 modern 152 #21,636
2000 modern 158 #21,055
2001 modern 168 #19,986
2002 modern 176 #19,829
2003 modern 168 #20,171
2004 modern 179 #19,523
2005 modern 169 #20,153
2006 modern 183 #19,326
2007 modern 190 #19,088
2008 modern 180 #19,946
2009 modern 188 #19,797
2010 modern 195 #19,762
2011 modern 184 #20,363
2012 modern 182 #20,440
2013 modern 194 #19,932
2014 modern 195 #20,036
2015 modern 198 #19,714
2016 modern 190 #20,262

Geography

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Where Rivieres are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Norfolk, Lincoln, Hackney, Wandsworth and Westminster. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Norfolk 012 North Norfolk
2 Lincoln 002 Lincoln
3 Hackney 023 Hackney
4 Wandsworth 028 Wandsworth
5 Westminster 020 Westminster

Forenames

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First names often paired with Riviere

These lists show first names that appear often with the Riviere surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Riviere

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Riviere, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Riviere surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Riviere household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Riviere is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Riviere is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Riviere falls in decile 3 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Riviere is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Riviere, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Riviere

The surname Riviere originated in France and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is derived from the French word "rivière," which means river or stream. The name likely referred to someone who lived near a river or worked as a fisherman or boatman.

The Riviere name was particularly prominent in the northern regions of France, such as Normandy and Brittany. Early records show variations in spelling, including Rivieres, Rivier, and Rivyers.

One of the earliest documented references to the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded landholders in England after the Norman Conquest. The name is listed as "Riviere" and is associated with holdings in various counties.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Jean de Riviere (c. 1240-1314) served as a French diplomat and advisor to King Philip IV. He played a crucial role in the trials against the Knights Templar.

Another prominent individual was Pierre Rivière (1615-1653), a French Catholic priest and writer who authored works on the spiritual life and devotional practices.

During the 17th century, François Rivière (1628-1714) was a French painter known for his portraits and historical scenes. He worked for several European courts and was a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.

In the 19th century, Henriette Rivière (1805-1871) was a French writer and feminist who advocated for women's rights and education. Her works included novels and essays on social issues.

Lastly, Théodore Rivière (1857-1912) was a French explorer and naturalist who conducted expeditions in Africa and Southeast Asia. He contributed significantly to the knowledge of the flora and fauna in these regions.

The Riviere surname has a long and rich history, with bearers hailing from various walks of life, including diplomats, artists, writers, and explorers. Its origin can be traced back to the medieval period in France, where it was closely associated with the proximity to rivers and streams.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Riviere families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Riviere surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 27 Rivieres recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.43x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 27 5.43x
Surrey 12 4.95x
Sussex 4 4.77x
Warwickshire 3 2.39x
Channel Islands 2 13.58x
Berkshire 1 2.68x
Flintshire 1 7.48x
Hampshire 1 0.98x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hampstead London in Middlesex leads with 9 Rivieres recorded in 1881 and an index of 116.28x.

Place Total Index
Hampstead London 9 116.28x
Lambeth 8 18.45x
St Marylebone London 6 22.60x
St Clement Danes 5 625.00x
Camberwell 4 12.59x
Edgbaston 3 77.12x
Hackney London 2 7.17x
Hove 2 54.35x
Newhaven 2 294.12x
Dymeirchion 1 909.09x
Kensington London 1 3.62x
Paddington London 1 5.47x
Portsea 1 5.01x
St Giles In Fields 1 58.48x
St Lawrence 1 250.00x
St Martin In Fields 1 33.56x
St Pancras London 1 2.50x
St Saviour 1 123.46x
Woolhampton 1 1250.00x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Riviere surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Anne 3
Mary 3
Catherine 2
Sarah 2
Amelia 1
Amy 1
Ann 1
Annette 1
Annie 1
Caroline 1
Edith 1
Elizabeth 1
Florence 1
Louise 1
Margaret 1
Marie 1
Millicent 1
Rosomonde 1
Theodora 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Riviere surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Henry 3
Francis 2
Joseph 2
Jules 2
Agustus 1
Bernard 1
Briton 1
Clive 1
Constant 1
Evelyn 1
Fortune 1
Frederick 1
Henri 1
Hewin 1
Hugh 1
James 1
Leonard 1
Philip 1
Robert 1
Ulderia 1

FAQ

Riviere surname: questions and answers

How common was the Riviere surname in 1881?

In 1881, 49 people were recorded with the Riviere surname. That placed it at #26,735 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Riviere surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 190 in 2016. That gives Riviere a modern rank of #20,262.

What does the Riviere surname mean?

A surname derived from the French word for "river" or "stream".

What does the Riviere map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Riviere bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.