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Boy Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Romney

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "winding river"

    • Description:

      With the fashion for all names Rom, this strong surname with ties to Old Master painter George has new possibilities. Obviously, it now has more political associations than artistic.
  2. Renault

    • Description:

      Renault is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Germanic name Raginald, composed of the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule). While more commonly recognized as a prominent French automobile manufacturer founded by Louis Renault in 1898, Renault can also serve as a surname or given name. As a first name, it is quite rare in modern usage. The name carries connotations of French heritage, sophistication, and innovation due to its strong association with the automobile brand. In medieval France, variations of this name were more common among nobility, though today it represents a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth.

  3. Rodolfo

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "bold wolf"

    • Description:

      Romanticizes Rudolph and distances the name from the red-nosed reindeer. After remaining steadily in the US Top 500 for much of the twentieth century, Rodolfo has been slipping of late.
  4. 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.
  5. Ridger

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "one who lives on the ridge"

    • Description:

      Ridger isn't particularly common as a surname but we expect it to pick up in popularity as a first name, a la rising names Bridger and Ridge.
  6. Russet

    • Origin:

      English, French

    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"

    • Description:

      Russet has a lot of potential. It's a rustic word name, associated with homespun cloth, apples, and an earthy shade of reddish-brown. At the same time, it's similar enough to the likes of Russell, Ross, Bennet and Emmett that it doesn't sound too out of place. Surprisingly, however, it has never featured in the US charts — perhaps held back by its link to potatoes?
  7. Raushan

    • Origin:

      Kazakh, Bengali

    • Meaning:

      "light, rose"

    • Description:

      KAzakh and Bengali form of Roshan, also coinciding with the Kazakh word for "rose".
  8. Robby

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Robert, English

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      This classic Robert nickname is starting to sound sweet again, along with ultra-retro Bobby.
  9. Raddix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "root"

    • Description:

      In 2020, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden named their daughter Raddix Chloe Wildflower. They invented the name themselves, but radix is a Latin word meaning "root," giving it a nature and linguistics connection.
  10. Rron

    • Origin:

      Albanian

    • Meaning:

      "to live; to survive"

    • Description:

      Hearty name derived from the Albanian word rronj, meaning "to survive".
  11. Rojo

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "red"

    • Description:

      Colorful middle name choice.
  12. Rongo

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Rongo is a masculine Maori name stemming from both the name of a god and also the Maori word for peace, "rangimarie", which itself is occasionally used as a feminine name. Rongo was the name of the Maori god of cultivated food and of peace. In Maori culture the two ideas are closely linked - food can only be cultivated and plentiful when communities are at peace and working together. If Ringo, Rango and Rocco can get a look in, why not Rongo?
  13. 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.

  14. Rudyard

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "red enclosure"

    • Description:

      Often thought of as a one-peson name because of Jungle Book writer Kipling, this was actually his middle name. He was middle-named for Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire, the beauty of which inspired his parents to reference it in their first child's name. Trivia tidbit: Actress Kim Raver gave her son Leo the middle name of Kipling.
  15. Russo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"

    • Description:

      An Italian surname — a variant of Rossi — meaning "red", hence a red-headed person. Russo is punchy and full of gusto, and very rare as a first name. It debuted on the US charts for boys in 2019.
  16. Richo

    • Description:

      Richo is an uncommon masculine name with an energetic quality. Likely a diminutive form of Richard or derived from the Spanish 'rico' meaning 'rich' or 'powerful,' it carries connotations of strength and prosperity. The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive 'o' ending, making it stand out from traditional variants. Richo has seen limited usage internationally but may appeal to parents seeking a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal names. With its punchy sound and casual vibe, Richo projects confidence and accessibility. The name's rarity means those called Richo often enjoy a distinctive identity in social and professional settings.
  17. Rafiq

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "friend, companion, gentle, kind"

    • Description:

      Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
  18. Rostam

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "tall, strongly-built, brave"

    • Description:

      Used in Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, this strong-sounding name belonged to a hero in Persian legend. Its derivation is unclear, but the consensus seems to be that it relates to the hero’s great size and strength, possibly from Avestan raodha "to grow" and takhma "strong, brave, valiant".
  19. Riqui

    • Description:

      Riqui is a masculine name that primarily functions as a diminutive or nickname for Ricardo, the Spanish and Portuguese equivalent of Richard, meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'strong leader.' Common in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in sporting contexts, Riqui has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining masculine attributes. Though less frequently used as a formal given name, some parents choose it for its modern, concise feel. The name has gained some visibility through Spanish football players who use Riqui as their professional name. Its short, distinctive sound makes it memorable, while its connection to Ricardo gives it deeper historical roots despite its contemporary feel.
  20. Rafiki

    • Description:

      Rafiki is a masculine name of Swahili origin meaning "friend" or "companion." The name gained significant recognition through the wise mandrill character in Disney's "The Lion King," who serves as a spiritual guide and advisor. This positive association has contributed to its appeal outside of East Africa. The name embodies qualities of wisdom, loyalty, and supportive friendship. While traditional in Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, Rafiki remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. Parents who choose this name often appreciate its meaningful definition, melodic sound, or cultural significance. Its distinctive character makes it stand out while still being relatively easy to pronounce across different languages.

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