Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Rogue
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      For parents who hope their child will one day carve their own path.
  2. Rani
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my song, my joy"
    • Description:

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

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "queenly"
    • Description:

      A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.
  4. Rhapsody
    • Origin:

      French, musical term
    • Description:

      Could be seen as extravagantly ecstatic for a baby name, though feel free to rhapsodize about your little girl, whatever her name.
  5. Redford
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "red ford"
    • Description:

      An unusual surname-style choice with a strong meaning and potential for nicknames Ford and Red. Associated with the actor Robert Redford, it was also used for a one of the main characters in the 2019 novel Get a Life, Chloe Brownby author Talia Hibbert.
  6. 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.
  7. Roone
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Rafiq
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "friend, companion, gentle, kind"
    • Description:

      Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
  9. Raia
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Raya
    • Description:

      The popularity of Maya clarifies the pronunciation of Raya, which makes that the better spelling of this name.
  10. Rona
    • Origin:

      Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "might; song"
    • Description:

      Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber edge. In 2020, Rona was given to 17 baby girls (a fall from 26 the previous year). In 2021, it dropped to just 5 — we expect it to drop off the list entirely in the years to come.
  11. Ruri
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "lapis lazuli"
    • Description:

      Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.
  12. Rianne
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "bitter; beloved; drop of the sea + grace"
    • Description:

      Popular Dutch name derived from a combination of Maria (Ria) + Anne, or as a short form of Marianne.
  13. Robby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Robert, English
    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"
    • Description:

      This classic Robert nickname is starting to sound sweet again, along with ultra-retro Bobby.
  14. Rooster
    • Origin:

      English animal name
    • Meaning:

      "roosting bird"
    • Description:

      A new addition to the menagerie of animal baby names — Rooster was given to five baby boys in 2019, but did not return to the charts in the following year. The word has American origins — the Puritans used it as an alternative to "cock," which developed its euphemistic meaning around the 1770s. Rooster comes from the verb "to roost," as the birds are known to do.
  15. Reyes
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "kings, royalty"
    • Description:

      This regal Spanish name combines several of today's top trends: names that end in S, last names that can also be first names, royal-sounding names, and unisex options. It has a long history of use in Spain as both a surname and a given name.
  16. Rian
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. 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.
  18. Rawley
    • Description:

      Rawley is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from the Old English surname Raleigh, which referred to a deer clearing or meadow. Historically associated with the notable explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, the name carries connotations of adventure and boldness. Rawley has maintained a consistent though uncommon presence in English-speaking countries, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots yet distinctive character. With its strong consonant sounds and approachable two-syllable structure, Rawley strikes a balance between rugged and refined. The name has experienced modest increased interest in recent years as part of the trend toward reviving surname-style first names and names with historical connections.

  19. Rolando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"
    • Description:

      Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.
  20. Rawlings
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Raul"
    • Description:

      Rawlings was a surname brought to England with the Norman invasion and has ties to the name Raul, which means "wolf counsel."

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