R
Feminine
English
Meaning & History
Reannon is a variant of the Welsh name Rhiannon. The name Rhiannon is thought to derive from an unattested Celtic name *Rīgantonā, meaning "great queen" (from Celtic *rīganī "queen" and the divine or augmentative suffix -on). This name is often linked to an ancient Celtic goddess, possibly a deity of fertility and horses, akin to the Gaulish Epona. In Welsh mythology, as recorded in the *Mabinogi* (a collection of medieval Welsh tales), Rhiannon is a beautiful, magical woman who rides a white horse. She is forced into an unwanted betrothal to Gwawl but cleverly escapes to marry Pwyll instead. Together they have a son, Pryderi.
Rhiannon began to gain popularity as an English given name after the release of the Fleetwood Mac song "Rhiannon" in 1976, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia. Reannon emerged as a respelled variation, likely influenced by English spelling patterns. This variant form, along with Riannon, offers an alternative spelling that preserves the same mythological roots. Despite its divergence from the traditional Welsh spelling, Reannon carries the same ancient and literary associations as its source.
Rhiannon began to gain popularity as an English given name after the release of the Fleetwood Mac song "Rhiannon" in 1976, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia. Reannon emerged as a respelled variation, likely influenced by English spelling patterns. This variant form, along with Riannon, offers an alternative spelling that preserves the same mythological roots. Despite its divergence from the traditional Welsh spelling, Reannon carries the same ancient and literary associations as its source.