Possible origin of the name Riverhead derives from the Old English "hrither + hýth meaning Cattlewharf. It has been suggested that this related to a linear mound close to the river Darent. However it has also been suggested that the name Riverhead is certain that it is not connected with the River Darent which flows to the north of the village. The name may, in fact derive from the saxon word 'rither' which meant 'a hill'.