Dog Names That Start With R
- Ramon
Origin:
Catalan variation of RaymondDescription:
The Latin Ramon has been in the U.S. Top 1000 since the beginning of baby-naming time, i.e. the past 130+ years. Ramon is the perfect blend of worldly and familiar, with a rocker edge via The Ramones. A cool name classic, if there ever was one.
- Rudyard
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Risa
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"laughing"
- Rayne
Origin:
Variation of Rain or RaynaDescription:
Rayne is the unique name used for one of the girl sextuplets on the Sweet Home TV show.
- Roberto
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Robert, English from GermanMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
Standard Latin classic that brings some flair to the basic boy name Robert. Nearly 4000 baby boys are still named Robert in the US each year, many of them undoubtedly named for a father or grandfather, while about 550 are named Roberto.
- Rainbow
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"rainbow"Description:
Colorful, yes, but also probably among the hippiest of hippie names. Holly Madison recently chose it for her little girl.
- Rueben
Description:
Rueben is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Reuben, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'behold, a son.' In the Bible, Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, giving the name significant religious heritage. This variant spelling with the 'e' before the 'u' creates a subtle distinction while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. Rueben carries the warm, friendly quality of its traditional counterpart with a slightly different visual presentation. The name enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century but has become less common in recent decades. It has a timeless, somewhat old-fashioned appeal that connects to both Jewish and Christian traditions. Rueben's familiar sound paired with its less common spelling offers a balance between tradition and individuality.
- Ryo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"Description:
A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation is closer to REE-UH.
- Rico
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RicardoMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Consider this short form for your little Richard.
- Rollie
Origin:
Diminutive of Roland, GermanMeaning:
"famous throughout the land"Description:
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.
- Ryann
Origin:
Spelling variation of RyanDescription:
An attempt to make this name swing more to the feminine side, though the original Ryan is becoming perfectly acceptable for girls.
- Rhonwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"slender, fair"Description:
The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both unusual and traditional, classically feminine yet strong.
- Reilly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"courageous"Description:
This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is one name that's remained popular for both boys and girls.
- Ruston
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Reid
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
The Reid spelling is surprisingly more popular than the naturey Reed for both boys and girls, though more than 95% of little Reids are male.
- Ricky
Origin:
Diminutive of Richard or FrederickMeaning:
"dominant or peaceful ruler"Description:
Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.
- Ria
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"small river"Description:
Short and feminine, Ria has a rhythmic flow.
- Rhya
Origin:
Variation of Rhea, GreekMeaning:
"a flowing stream"Description:
Rhya is the Fertility Goddess of several ancient religions, associated with mothers and pregnant women. In some legends she is the mother of Manann and Verena and wife of Taal. Pronounced rye-ah, similar names from other cultures include Rya, Riya, and Raya.
- Rian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
As Ryan quickly becomes a plausible option for a girl, some parents may be interested in the spelling Rian — the more authentic and original form of the name.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.