Girl Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Rufa
    • Description:

      Rufa is a feminine name with ancient Roman origins. It derives from the Latin word 'rufus' meaning 'red-haired' or 'red-headed.' Historically, it was used as a descriptive nickname or cognomen in Roman times for women with reddish hair. The name has seen continued usage in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking regions, though it remains relatively uncommon. Rufa has a classic, simple elegance with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, the name has endured through centuries and maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name with Latin roots. Its connection to the natural trait of red hair gives it an organic, descriptive quality.
  2. Rikku
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "land, continent"
    • Description:

      The Japanese Rikku is familiar in the west as the name of one of the lead characters of the "Final Fantasy" video game series. Voted "hottest character," the fictional Rikku is a thief with a good sense of humor.
  3. Rufina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
  4. Rianne
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "bitter; beloved; drop of the sea + grace"
    • Description:

      Popular Dutch name derived from a combination of Maria (Ria) + Anne, or as a short form of Marianne.
  5. Rivage
    • Origin:

      French word name
    • Meaning:

      "shore"
    • Description:

      Unique, soft, and flowing.
  6. Raanana
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, fresh"
    • Description:

      Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.
  7. Rubi
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "ruby; precious gemstone, lapis lazuli + beautiful"
    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese form of popular Ruby is another addition to the list of attractive gem names for girls, that might sometimes be used by English speaking parents who want their child's name to stand out when written down. Rubi is also of Japanese origin, and associated with another gemstone: the lapis lazuli.
  8. Rama
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "lofty"
    • Description:

      This name of a revered Hindu deity is heard in several cultures.
  9. Rinko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "gem child"
    • Description:

      Perky and attractive Japanese girl name, associated with actress Rinko Kikuchi and photographer Rinko Kawauchi.
  10. Rea
    • Origin:

      Variation of Rhea
    • Description:

      Short but substantial.
  11. Riko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "white jasmine or reason, logic"
    • Description:

      Riko is a hugely popular name for baby girls in contemporary Japan, and one that easily translates to the West.
  12. Reia
    • Description:

      Reia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, giving it rich cross-cultural significance. In Japanese, Reia (麗愛) can mean 'lovely love' or 'beautiful affection,' depending on the kanji characters used. It also resembles Rhea from Greek mythology, who was a Titaness and mother of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Additionally, Reia could be considered a variant of Raya, which has Hebrew and Arabic roots meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' This multicultural name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen modest increased usage in recent decades as parents seek distinctive names with international appeal. Its brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers, while its various meaningful associations offer depth beyond its simple, beautiful sound.

  13. Riki
    • Description:

      Riki is a versatile feminine name with multicultural origins. In Japanese, it means 'strength' or 'power,' while in Hebrew it's a diminutive of Rebecca, meaning 'to bind' or 'to connect.' As a Nordic short form, it can derive from names like Frederikke or Henrika. This short, punchy name carries a modern, energetic quality that transcends cultural boundaries. Its brevity makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor concise, easily pronounced names. Though not among the most common names, Riki has maintained steady usage across various cultures, appealing to parents who appreciate its multicultural versatility, straightforward pronunciation, and the bright, vibrant personality it suggests.
  14. Robine
    • Origin:

      French feminization of Robin, English
    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"
  15. Rowdy
    • Origin:

      American word name
    • Description:

      A quintessentially American name, Rowdy has a number of notable wearers, including Rowdy Yates, Clint Eastwood's character on the television show Rawhide, and Olympic swimmer Rowdy Gaines.

      As a word, rowdy entered the lexicon in the early 1800s to describe backwoodsmen living on the fringes of society.

  16. Raicho
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "Thunderbird"
    • Description:

      Japanese feminist Raicho Hiratsuka chose the name Raicho for herself - no doubt because of its fabulously meaning. As a journalist and publisher, Raicho fought for the rights of working class women in Japan’s textile industry and eschewed conventional domesticity, openly living with a lover and having her children out of wedlock. Thunderbirds are GO indeed!
  17. Rooster
    • Origin:

      English animal name
    • Meaning:

      "roosting bird"
  18. Remarkable
    • Origin:

      Literary and word name
    • Description:

      Remarkable Pettibone was a self-important housekeeper in James Fenimore Cooper's The Pioneers. Such names were not uncommon in early America, with such choices as Remember and Experience showing up in the records along with Puritan virtue names such as Chastity and Patience.
  19. Rhapso
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to sew"
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Rhapso was a nymph associated with stitching. Sewing was a common motif in Ancient Greece, used as a metaphor for the thread of life.
  20. Relief
    • Origin:

      Virtue name
    • Meaning:

      "relief"
    • Description:

      Relief was a name used by the Puritans in reference to the relief of Christ. Leafy was the common nickname.