Meaning & Origin
A tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, often involving violence or damage to property.
Riot is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, from Old French riote (dispute, brawl), meaning 'tumult, disorder, raucous celebration' — a word name that has been reclaimed by a generation of parents who see the energy of a riot as something vital and exciting rather than purely destructive.
Part of the edge-name movement that includes names like Blaze, Rebel, and Chaos, Riot signals a parent's embrace of nonconformity and energy. It's been used by several musicians and entertainers for their children, fitting naturally into rock, punk, and alternative naming traditions.