Boy Dog Names That Start With R

Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.

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.

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.

As its parent name Roland comes back into style (yep, it’s happening), could there be an uptick in baby Rollies? Certainly as a pet form.

Coined in the 1940s: an acronym of "radio detection and ranging".

Rion is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Irish name Ryan, meaning 'little king,' or from the Greek word meaning 'flowing.' Some consider it a variation of Orion, the legendary hunter from Greek mythology. In Japanese contexts, Rion can be written with characters meaning 'jasmine' and 'sound' or other combinations. This multicultural name has gained modest popularity in recent decades across several countries, appealing to parents seeking short, strong-sounding names with international appeal. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its various cultural connections provide depth and versatility. Rion projects an image of strength and individuality with a cosmopolitan flair.

An Arabic name borne by Ali al-Ridha, a 9th-century Shia imam.

Stuffy presidential choice: consider Hayes instead.

Richmond is a place-name — it's the capital of Virginia, US, and a town in London, UK — that makes a fresh way to honor an ancestral Richard.

Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.

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

Chosen by one musician, Todd Rundgren, for his son, but unlikely to be emulated by others.

Colorful middle name choice.

A rare, but certainly usable, Japanese name from the manga series Vampire Knight.