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There are probably several reasons for Christians to name a child River. The River Jordan is of great significance in the Bible; it was parted so the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land. (Some theologians think the Promised Land is representative of Heaven, and the Jordan River represents death.)

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Elsewhere in the Bible, rivers are indicative of life. The Holy Spirit is variously represented by wind, fire, and water.

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Another reference to a river is in the Book of the Revelations describing heaven: "And he [an angel] shewed me [John] a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1

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This is certainly not an exhaustive list of significant rivers in the Bible, but this could explain why some Christians have a penchant for the name. This Christian actually finds the name River more natural than spiritual, though. :o)