Boy Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Remo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
  2. Rojo
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "red"
    • Description:

      Colorful middle name choice.
  3. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. Rivera
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "bank, shore"
    • Description:

      An appealing Spanish surname that also works as an elaboration of cool nature name River.
  6. Ruston
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rush town"
    • Description:

      Originally derived from an English surname, given to someone who lived in a town or settlement near a marsh where grass-like rush plants grew, Ruston feels similar in style to Ashton or Reed, but could also work as a twist on the more classic Russell.
  7. Ruiseart
    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "brave ruler"
    • Description:

      Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.
  8. Rooster
    • Origin:

      English animal name
    • Meaning:

      "roosting bird"
    • Description:

      A new addition to the menagerie of animal baby names — Rooster was given to five baby boys in 2019, but did not return to the charts in the following year. The word has American origins — the Puritans used it as an alternative to "cock," which developed its euphemistic meaning around the 1770s. Rooster comes from the verb "to roost," as the birds are known to do.
  9. Rajah
    • Origin:

      Arabic and Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "hope; ruler"
    • Description:

      Indian princely title, more exciting than Prince or Duke, that is also a widely-used name for both genders. In the US, the names Rajah and Raja are uncommon: Ten baby boys were named Rajah last year and 18 were given the Raja spelling.
  10. Rayden
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Rayden is yet another example of the dozens of new boys' names with the 'aden' sound.
  11. Reno
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Has a lively and swaggering sound, and also some unfortunate associations with Reno, city of gambling and failed marriages.
  12. Robinet
    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Robin, English
    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"
  13. Ridha
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "contentment"
    • Description:

      An Arabic name borne by Ali al-Ridha, a 9th-century Shia imam.
  14. Rodriguez
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Rodrigo"
    • Description:

      Common Spanish surname that can work as a first.
  15. 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.
  16. Rugby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rook fortress"
    • Description:

      Rough and sporty, but too specific.
  17. Redford
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "red ford"
    • Description:

      An unusual surname-style choice with a strong meaning and potential for nicknames Ford and Red. Associated with the actor Robert Redford, it was also used for a one of the main characters in the 2019 novel Get a Life, Chloe Brownby author Talia Hibbert.
  18. Roper
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rope maker"
    • Description:

      Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.
  19. Ring
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.
  20. Raushan
    • Origin:

      Kazakh, Bengali
    • Meaning:

      "light, rose"
    • Description:

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

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