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Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Reinette

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "little queen"

    • Description:

      Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.
  2. Rodrigo

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of Roderick

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      Rhythmically appealing international spin on the stiff original.
  3. Rosalee

    • Origin:

      Variation of Rosalie, French

    • Meaning:

      "rose"

    • Description:

      Rosalie has officially been revived, breaking into the Top 200 in 2020. And as with many on-trend baby names, the creative spellings have started to roll in. Rosalee is one such name, that could also be read as a compound of Rosa and Lee, giving it the alternative meaning of "rose meadow" and the potentially to more obviously honor a Lee. It was a fast rising option in 2024, when it entered the Top 1000.
  4. Rylie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Riley

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Rumer

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fame, braggart"

    • Description:

      Demi and Bruce made waves when they named their now-grown firstborn after novelist Rumer Godden; a possible downside is its connection with the word rumor. English author Godden was actually born Margaret, with Rumer (a family surname) as her middle name
  6. Romain

    • Description:

      Romain is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin 'Romanus,' meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This classic name has been used in France for centuries, honoring the historical significance of Roman culture. It remains quite popular in French-speaking regions while maintaining a sophisticated, international appeal elsewhere. The name carries connotations of strength and civility, reflecting the cultural impact of the Roman Empire. In English-speaking countries, Romain offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Roman. Notable bearers include French writers, athletes, and artists, which has helped maintain its cultural relevance. The name has a refined, intellectual quality while still sounding strong and masculine. Its pronunciation (ro-MAN) adds to its elegant, continental character, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with European sophistication.

  7. Richie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Richard

    • Description:

      Richie was once a popular enough nickname for Richard that it made the Top 1000 all by itself. It's seriously out of style now -- though still a better choice than Dick or even Ricky.
  8. Rupin

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "handsome"

    • Description:

      Rupin is one of those names that is virtually unknown in the Western world and yet is easily translated because it feels so familiar -- parts Rupert, Robin, and Reuben. A handsome choice.
  9. Ridley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "cleared wood; reed clearing; channel clearing"

    • Description:

      Can one prominent character affect the gender identity of a name? Definitely, as has supernatural bad girl Ridley Duchannes of the Beautiful Creatures series-turned-movie, played by the gorgeous Emmy Rossum.
  10. Ringo

    • Origin:

      English nickname

    • Description:

      The most outlandish Beatles-inspired name, if Lennon or McCartney are too tame for you. Ringo Starr is the stage name of drummer Richard Starkey, taken from his nickname Ringo (because he wore lots of rings) and the first part of his surname. A bold rock-n-roll inspired choice!
  11. Rebel

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "rebel"

    • Description:

      Asking for trouble. Rebel Wilson is a hilarious Australian actress who puts a female spin on this contemporary badass baby name. Still, we think this name is truly gender neutral – though hardly neutral in any other way. Rebel is undoubtedly one of the edgiest girls' names starting with the letter R.
  12. Ruhi

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "ascending"

    • Description:

      Ruhi is a charming, rapidly rising girl name used in Hindu culture. Its meaning refers to spiritual ascension and is mentioned in sacred Vedic texts including the Mahabharata and Rigveda.
  13. Royalty

    • Origin:

      American word name

    • Description:

      Royalty is a super-hot name for girls, but there's no reason it can't be used for boys too. In fact it is, but only about 5 percent of the time, making it one of those unisex names whose usage is tipped so far toward one gender that it isn't truly unisex. But still, English words are usually not intrinsically gendered so Royalty is perfectly appropriate for boys as well as girls and is one of the fastest-rising unisex names.
  14. Renly

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Renly Baratheon was a fairly minor character in A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones, mostly remembered as the one of the show's few prominent LGBT characters. He played a major part in season 2 of the show, when he challenged the Lannisters and his older brother Stannis for control of the Iron Throne.
  15. Rhythm

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A musical name that is undeniably cool and, well, rhythmic. Its biggest challenge may be the spelling. Well, maybe not the biggest challenge. Save this one for a middle name.
  16. Ryne

    • Origin:

      Variation of Ryan, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little king"

    • Description:

      Baseball player Ryne Sandberg's nickname is RYNO. Need we say more?
  17. Ruri

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "lapis lazuli"

    • Description:

      Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.
  18. Rhoswen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white rose"

    • Description:

      If you're looking for an unusual alternative to all those Rose names, Rhoswen might be a good choice. This name has the soft sounds we've come to love from the Welsh language but is still not as familiar as Bronwen and Rhiannon.
  19. Raja

    • Origin:

      Arabic and Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "hope; ruler"

    • Description:

      Raja is a widely-used Arabic or Sanskrit name that works for girls as well as boys. Five baby girls were named Raja and seven given the Rajah spelling in the US last year, where for boys the popularity of the spellings was reversed: 18 Raja to ten Rajah.
  20. Rai

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "next child"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and intriguing relative of Rae.