Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have captivated fans with their unique approach to naming their children, blending personal stories and artistic inspiration. Recently, Rihanna shared the story behind their youngest child's name, Riot Rose Mayers, revealing that it was suggested by Pharrell Williams.
In a conversation with Harper's BAZAAR, Rihanna explained that Pharrell's insightful nature played a key role. "He gave us this name thinking it was going to be a girl, because he had seen something online. Pharrell is very deep. He’s not surface. He will never say anything and just leave it there with a full stop. He will have the entire history: the energy, the time, the month that it is." Get more on Rihanna's confession
Adding to the serendipitous nature of the name, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell had collaborated on the single "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" just weeks before Riot's birth. Riot's middle name, Rose, reflects A$AP Rocky's love for flowers, a lesser-known fact about the rapper. "Not everyone knows this, but Rocky loves flowers… he even had real flowers in his grill once," Rihanna shared.
The parents' names themselves carry rich meanings. Rihanna's name has both Welsh and Arabic origins, signifying "great queen" or "goddess" in Welsh and "sweet basil" in Arabic. A$AP Rocky's moniker is tied to the A$AP Mob, with "A$AP" standing for "Always Strive and Prosper." "Rocky" was a childhood nickname given by his mother.
Rihanna describes her sons' distinct personalities. "RZA is just an empath. He's so magical... Riot, he's just hilarious." RZA is portrayed as thoughtful and musical, while Riot is energetic and vocal. "I don’t know where he came from, dude," Rihanna joked about her lively son.
She also playfully expressed her "annoyance" at her sons' strong bond with A$AP Rocky. "I’m annoyed because my sons sometimes just live for him more than they live for me," she said, highlighting the family's close relationship.
Earlier this year, A$AP Rocky's felony assault trial added another layer to their family narrative. Following his acquittal, their attorney, Joe Tacopina, revealed that the couple planned to name their next child "A$AP Joe," showing their gratitude and loyalty. Tacopina's involvement extended beyond the courtroom, as he even babysat RZA during Rihanna's Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's story is a blend of love, laughter, and individuality, reflected in the meaningful names they chose for their children.
