Dog Names That Start With R
- Rori
Description:
Rori is a feminine name with Gaelic origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. Traditionally, it's a feminine variation of Rory, which means 'red king' in Gaelic. The name has a bright, lively quality with its short, upbeat sound. Rori maintains connections to Celtic heritage while having a contemporary feel that works well across cultural boundaries. The name has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century, particularly appealing to parents seeking short, spunky names for girls that avoid overly frilly associations. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce and spell while remaining distinctive. The name combines traditional roots with a modern sensibility, offering a balance of heritage and contemporary style.
- Regis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"kingly"Description:
Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes. It comes from the word rex meaning "king".
- 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.
- Renny
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Irish RaithnaitMeaning:
"little prosperous one"Description:
Used primarily for girls in Ireland, but sounds unisex to us.
- Raleigh
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow of deer"Description:
An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.
- Raelyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of RaelynnDescription:
After entering the Top 1000 in 2009, Raelyn has climbed the charts. It's ridden the coattails of Raelynn (which remains more popular), but also may be benefiting from the rise of Brooklyn. The use of -Lyn and -Lynn suffixes has grown in recent years, even as the name Lynn itself languishes.
- Rosita
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RosaMeaning:
"rose"Description:
This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.
- Riddick
Origin:
Variation of Reddick, ScottishDescription:
Variation of Reddick, recognizable as the name of Vin Diesel's character in the Riddick film series, based on the Chronicles of Riddick books.
- Randi
Origin:
Feminine diminutive of RandolphMeaning:
"shield-wolf"Description:
A relic of the midcentury Mandi-Sandi-Andi era.
- Rodrigo
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of RoderickMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
Rhythmically appealing international spin on the stiff original.
- Retta
Description:
Retta is a feminine name with multiple origins. Most commonly, it serves as a diminutive of names ending in "-retta" such as Henrietta, Loretta, or Margaretta. The name has Italian roots as well, where it can be short for Margherita. Retta carries a vintage charm reminiscent of the early 20th century, when abbreviated names were fashionable. Though never extremely common in the United States, it experienced modest usage in the early 1900s before declining in popularity. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its soft sounds and brevity. In recent years, Retta has gained some recognition through comedian and actress Retta (born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf), known for her role on "Parks and Recreation." The name offers a blend of classic appeal and uncommon distinctiveness for modern parents.
- Reno
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Has a lively and swaggering sound, and also some unfortunate associations with Reno, city of gambling and failed marriages.
- Remington
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place on a riverbank"Description:
Between 1980s-era television private eye Remington Steele and Remington Arms, this name might seem all-boy. But in 2014, Remington entered the US girls' Top 1000, and it's been rising since.
- Roshan
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"light, bright"Description:
The name of the sweet human baby in the film Ice Age, Roshan is a handsome Persian name that is the origin of the female name Roxanne, via its feminine form Roshanak.
- Rey
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"king"Description:
Sounds exactly like Ray—but with an on-trend royal vibe. The central protagonist in the newest Star Wars trilogy is a woman named Rey.
- Roald
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
This intriguing Scandinavian name is associated with Roald Dahl, author of the juvenile classics James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You can honor an ancestral Ronald just by dropping that middle 'n'.
- Rafaella
Origin:
Italian variation of Raphaela, HebrewMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
Oh, the many spellings of Rafaella. Those with Fs and double-Ls denote Italian origins, while an F and a single L is Spanish and Portuguese. The original Hebrew form is Raphaela.
- Roone
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Roone is a lively, attractive and unusual redhead entry brought into the mix by the late TV sports and news executive Roone Arledge, who seemed to own it as a one-person name when he was alive.
- 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.
- Rylie
Origin:
Spelling variation of RileyMeaning:
"rye clearing"Description:
Rylie is a spelling variation of the more-popular traditional Riley. In the US Top 1000 since 1997, it has peaked in 2004, 2008, and 2016 when it nearly reached the Top 300. It fell significantly in 2023, however, its popularity has always been bumpy. Riley, Rylee, and Ryleigh all rank above Rylie but when you combine all the spellings, it feels like a Top 20 name.