Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Rocio
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "dewdrops"
    • Description:

      This name, which refers to Mary as the Virgin of the Dew, is all but unknown in the Anglo community, but popular enough in Hispanic families that it made the US Top 1000 until least until 2006. Also spelled Rocío, it remains popular in Spain and Chile, where it ranks in the Top 100.
  2. Ryder
    • Origin:

      English Surname
    • Meaning:

      "post messenger or cavalryman"
    • Description:

      Some parents are choosing this popular boys name for their daughters (in the US there were well over 100 female Ryders born last year). Is it the connection to Winona that makes this feel somewhat more feminine than some other boys’ names?
  3. Rune
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "secret"
    • Description:

      Runes are symbols in ancient Germanic alphabets. They are often viewed as mysterious and therefore as a name, Rune imparts a feeling of folkloric mystery. As intriguing as that might be, the homonym ruin creates a lot of teasing potential.
  4. Rylan
    • Origin:

      English and Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rye land"
    • Description:

      A unisex name, Rylan plays on many popular baby names, including Ryan and Riley. For boys, the trendy Rylan is in the US Top 500, while for girls, it fell out of Top 1000 in 2023, having been a regular feature since 2009.
  5. Renegade
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "defector; rebel"
    • Description:

      Could Renegade be the next Maverick? The rebellious meaning and fashionable nickname Ren make it a real possibility.
  6. Raylan
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Raylan, one of an uncountable number of two syllable, surname-like boys’ names end in n that are in style these days, is inspired by Raylan Givens, the cowboy hat-wearing U.S. Marshall created by writer Elmore Leonard and starring in the television series Justified. The Ray part of the name is of course a traditional choice -- it's usually said to mean "wise" -- but the lan takes it out of Old School Raymond territory. Other variations include Raylen, Raylon, Rayden and so on. The name is also sometimes given to girls, but not nearly as often as it is for boys.
  7. Rhodri
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "wheel, circle"
    • Description:

      Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales. Has a nice Rory-like feel.
  8. Rani
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my song, my joy"
    • Description:

      Too bad everyone in this country will tend to hear Ronnie.
  9. Rana
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "queenly"
    • Description:

      A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.
  10. Rumble
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "deep, resonant sound"
    • Description:

      Model Lucky Blue Smith welcomed daughter Rumble Honey in 2020, introducing a new name to the pool and putting it among the craziest celebrity baby names of the year. We don't see Rumble inspiring many copycats.
  11. Reilly
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. 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
  13. Raleigh
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "meadow of roe deer"
    • Description:

      Attractive North Carolina place-name and surname of explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Distinctive, classy-but-approachable choice for either sex.
  14. Reva
    • Origin:

      Hindi river name; Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "rain"
    • Description:

      Refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
  15. Rogan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "redhead"
    • Description:

      Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan.
  16. Ricardo
    • Origin:

      Portuguese and Spanish variation of Richard
    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler"
    • Description:

      Richard is far from fashionable, but Ricardo is one of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US. And it does sound far more appealing that the English version.
  17. Roselle
    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Elle
    • Description:

      Most contemporary parents would probably opt for the more streamlined Elle.
  18. Rosario
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "rosary"
    • Description:

      Anglo parents are taking note of this Hispanic classic, thanks to actress Rosario Dawson and a character on Will & Grace. Poetic and powerful, it comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to vocal and mental prayer in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
  19. Ryuko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "dragon child"
    • Description:

      Strong Japanese unisex choice. Dragons are a symbol of power in Japan.
  20. Raleigh
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "meadow of deer"
    • Description:

      An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

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