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Dog Names That Start With R

  1. Rush

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "basket weaver"

    • Description:

      Might suggest speed, excitement, even danger, were it not for its best-known bearer, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.
  2. Rangi

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "sky"

    • Description:

      In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Rangi or Ranginui was a god of the sky, husband of the earth goddess Papa or Papatuanuku. This strong and simple Māori name would make for a fresh celestial choice.
  3. Rajah

    • Origin:

      Arabic and Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "hope; ruler"

    • Description:

      Indian princely title, more exciting than Prince or Duke, that is also a widely-used name for both genders. In the US, the names Rajah and Raja are uncommon: Ten baby boys were named Rajah last year and 18 were given the Raja spelling.
  4. 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.

  5. Rohmer

    • Origin:

      German surname

    • Meaning:

      "pilgrim; fame"

    • Description:

      Like other stylish choices from Roman to Romy to Romeo, Rohmer is a German surname that relates to both Roman pilgrims and the root word for fame.
  6. Rosita

    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Rosa

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Ramses

    • Origin:

      Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "son of God"

    • Description:

      Ramses was the name of several kings in Ancient Egypt, including the long-reigning Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great. Unfortuntely, some may associate it with the condom brand name.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Rudyard

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "red enclosure"

    • Description:

      Often thought of as a one-peson name because of Jungle Book writer Kipling, this was actually his middle name. He was middle-named for Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire, the beauty of which inspired his parents to reference it in their first child's name. Trivia tidbit: Actress Kim Raver gave her son Leo the middle name of Kipling.
  13. Rafaela

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew Raphaela

    • Meaning:

      "God has healed"

    • Description:

      This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.
  14. Rayne

    • Origin:

      Variation of Rain or Rayna

    • Description:

      Rayne is the unique name used for one of the girl sextuplets on the Sweet Home TV show.
  15. 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.
  16. Rogue

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      For parents who hope their child will one day carve their own path.
  17. 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.
  18. Rhya

    • Origin:

      Variation of Rhea, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "a flowing stream"

    • Description:

      Rhya is the Fertility Goddess of several ancient religions, associated with mothers and pregnant women. In some legends she is the mother of Manann and Verena and wife of Taal. Pronounced rye-ah, similar names from other cultures include Rya, Riya, and Raya.
  19. Rosebud

    • Origin:

      Flower name

    • Description:

      Rosebud, a charming flower name, was the childhood nickname used for author Nathaniel Hawthorne's daughter Rose, who made a name for herself by founding the modern hospice movement. Rose Hawthorne Lathrop converted to Catholicism and, after her husband's death, founded a religious order called the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. As a nun and head of that order, she became known as Mother Mary Alphonsa and is now in line for sainthood in the Catholic Church.
  20. 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!