Boy Dog Names That Start With R
- Ryuu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"dragon"Description:
An auspicious choice connected to dragons. English speakers will have difficulty pronouncing this name in Japanese — it's all one syllable, with barely any emphasis on the R sound.
- Rudd
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"red or ruddy"Description:
The surname Rudd, made most famous by Antman actor Paul, derives from the words ruddy or red and may have originally been given to someone with a reddish complexion.
- Rust
Origin:
Color name or short form of RussellDescription:
Rust is one of the few color names for boys, sometimes short for Russell. As a diminutive for Russell, it's much more modern and cooler than Rusty. Whether you use it as a nickname or it stands on its own, the meaning refers to the color red.
- Rivera
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"bank, shore"Description:
An appealing Spanish surname that also works as an elaboration of cool nature name River.
- Rugby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"rook fortress"Description:
Rough and sporty, but too specific.
- Rusten
Description:
Rusten is a masculine name with varied possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Ruston or Rustin, which developed from an English surname derived from place names combining 'rush' and 'town,' indicating a settlement where rushes grew. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Latin name Rusticus, meaning 'rural' or 'of the country.' The name has a rustic, earthy quality that appeals to parents seeking names with natural associations. While relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Rusten has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more popular choices. The name projects strength and individualism, with a hint of ruggedness. Rusten works well across various stages of life, from childhood through adulthood.
- Rudolf
Origin:
Spelling variation of Rudolph, GermanMeaning:
"famous wolf"Description:
You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.
- Raza
Origin:
UrduMeaning:
"contentment"Description:
Urdu form of the Arabic name Ridha.
- Radcliff
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red cliff"Description:
Harvard's sibling.
- Raanan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fresh, luxuriant"Description:
This strong name and its variations are well used in Israel.
- Ritter
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"knight, mounted warrior"Description:
A German surname name deriving from the same root as English Ryder. Traditionally, it was the name of the second lowest hereditary rank of the nobility, roughly equivalent to English Baronet. Notable associations are British actor Paul Ritter and a popular European chocolate brand.
- Rousseau
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"little redhead"Description:
Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri Rousseau.
- Radburn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"reedy stream"Description:
Upper-crusty surname name.
- Rori
Description:
Rori is a gender-flexible name that appears here as masculine, though it's also used for girls. With Gaelic origins, it's often considered a variation of Rory, derived from the Irish "Ruairí" or Scottish "Ruairidh" meaning "red king" or "famous ruler." The spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a softer quality than the traditional Rory. While historically more common for boys in Celtic traditions, contemporary usage has seen it grow as a feminine option as well. The name carries a playful, youthful energy while maintaining its connection to ancient Celtic heritage. Though not among the most popular names, its brevity, friendly sound, and cross-gender adaptability have attracted parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible with historical roots.
- Royalty
Origin:
American word nameDescription:
Royalty is a super-hot name for girls, but there's no reason it can't be used for boys too. In fact it is, but only about 5 percent of the time, making it one of those unisex names whose usage is tipped so far toward one gender that it isn't truly unisex. But still, English words are usually not intrinsically gendered so Royalty is perfectly appropriate for boys as well as girls and is one of the fastest-rising unisex names.
- Rawley
Description:
Rawley is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from the Old English surname Raleigh, which referred to a deer clearing or meadow. Historically associated with the notable explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, the name carries connotations of adventure and boldness. Rawley has maintained a consistent though uncommon presence in English-speaking countries, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots yet distinctive character. With its strong consonant sounds and approachable two-syllable structure, Rawley strikes a balance between rugged and refined. The name has experienced modest increased interest in recent years as part of the trend toward reviving surname-style first names and names with historical connections.
- Rustam
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"tall, strongly-built, brave"Description:
This variation of Rostam might be more English-friendly given its resemblance to the familiar Russ or Russell.
- Reino
Origin:
Finnish variation of ReynoldMeaning:
"council power"Description:
An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.
- Ring
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.
- Reading
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the red-haired"Description:
Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.