Dog Names That Start With R

Both warmer and cooler than Russell.

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.

Romola is a literary name most notably used by George Eliot for her eponymous 1862 novel set in fifteenth-century Florence. It just may appeal to the parent looking for a name that embodies the ideal blend of the feminine, unusual, and strong. A current bearer is British actress Romola Garai.

Stuffy presidential choice: consider Hayes instead.

Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan. 

Spelled with one 'n', this was the name of the wife of Alexander the Great, and is more attractive than the better-known Roxanne.

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.

Tied to country singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire.

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.

Starbaby name that might prove too supercharged for real life, but if like director Robert Rodriguez you're interested only in boys' names starting with R, you may need to add Rocket (and Rebel and Racer) to your list.

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".

Consider this short form for your little Richard.

Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.

Nature girl played by Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions," it now has an old-style bohemian feel.

"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name.

Used primarily for girls in Ireland, but sounds unisex to us.

This regal French name is a descendant of the Latin Regina, as is the Spanish Reina. Reine is also a male name in Scandinavia.

Richmond is a place-name — it's the capital of Virginia — that makes a fresh way to honor an ancestral Richard.

Rira is a truly multicultural name with roots in four different languages. It's most common as a Japanese name, where it can be made up of various kanji combinations with meanings such as "good plum" and "easy pear." In French, it means "laugh."

Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.