Baby Names That Start With R: 40 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
R names are rich and rolling, from the old-fashioned (Ruth, Ralph, Rosalind) to the very modern (Ryder, Remi, Rowan). This list gathers 40 names that start with R, with meanings, origins and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an etymology is debated, as with Rebecca and Rhea, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (17)
- RachelHebreweweA biblical matriarch and an enduring classic.
- RaeganIrishlittle kingA spirited surname-name.
- RamonaSpanish / Germanicwise protectorRetro and charming, as in 'Ramona Quimby'.
- RayaHebrewfriendShort and bright.
- RebeccaHebrewuncertain; possibly 'to bind' or 'captivating'A classic with the nickname Becca.
- RenataLatinrebornElegant and rare.
- RheaGreekuncertain; the Titaness mother of the godsShort, mythic and strong.
- RhiannonWelshgreat queenMystical, made famous by the Fleetwood Mac song.
- RitaSpanish / Italianpearl (short form of Margarita)Retro and warm.
- RomyGermana pet form of RosemarieChic and short.
- RosaLatinroseSimple and classic.
- RosalindGermanic / Latinuncertain; often read as 'beautiful rose'A Shakespearean heroine, in 'As You Like It'.
- RosalieLatinrose gardenSweet and vintage.
- RoseLatinthe rose flowerA timeless, one-syllable classic.
- RosemaryLatindew of the sea (also the herb)A herb name with a vintage charm.
- RubyLatinred gemstoneBright and cheerful.
- RuthHebrewcompassion, friendA biblical heroine, simple and strong.
Boy names (18)
- RafaelHebrewGod has healedA warm archangel name.
- RalphGermanicwolf counselA vintage name that is rare today.
- RaymondGermanicwise protectorA classic with the nickname Ray.
- ReidEnglishred-hairedSmart and compact.
- RemyFrenchoarsman (from Remigius)Light and stylish.
- RexLatinkingA short, bold name.
- RhysWelshardor, enthusiasmDistinctively Welsh; pronounced 'Reece'.
- RichardGermanicbrave rulerA royal classic with Rick, Rich and Dick.
- RobertGermanicbright fameA timeless name with Rob, Robbie and Bobby.
- RoccoGermanic / ItalianrestBold and Italian.
- RomanLatinof RomeStrong and modern.
- RonanIrishlittle sealA friendly Irish saint's name.
- RoryIrish / Gaelicred kingA friendly Celtic name.
- RubenHebrewbehold, a sonJacob's firstborn, and a warm classic.
- RufusLatinred-hairedQuirky, vintage and rare.
- RussellFrenchlittle red oneA friendly, vintage name.
- RyanIrishlittle kingFamiliar and used for any gender.
- RyderEnglishhorsemanSporty and modern.
Unisex names (5)
- ReeseWelshardor (a form of Rhys)Soft, friendly and flexible.
- RemiFrenchoarsmanLight and international.
- RileyIrishrye clearingEasygoing and popular.
- RobinEnglishbright fame (a pet form of Robert)Also a bird name; it works for any child.
- RowanIrish / Englishlittle red one; also the rowan treeA nature name for any gender.
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How to choose
Nature runs through R names
Rose, Rosemary, Ruby, Rowan, Robin and Reed are all inspired by plants, birds or gems. If you love nature names, R is a rich letter.
Think about the rolling R
The R sound can be tricky for toddlers and varies across languages (a rolled r in Spanish, a soft r in French). If your family is bilingual, check how each side will say it.
Look at Irish and Welsh options
Ronan, Rory, Riley (Irish) and Rhys, Rhiannon (Welsh) are distinctive, easy to say and carry strong meanings.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with R?
Rose, Ruby, Riley and Ryan are well-known R names, and Roman, Ryder and Rowan are modern favourites.
What are unique baby names that start with R?
Rhiannon, Rosalind, Ramona, Rufus and Ronan are rare but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with R?
Rowan, Riley, Reese, Remi and Robin are all used for any gender.
What are nature names that start with R?
Rose, Rosemary, Ruby, Rowan, Robin and Rosalie are all inspired by plants, birds and gems.
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