Cat Names That Start With R

  1. Rudi
    • Description:

      Rudi is a masculine name commonly used as a diminutive of Rudolf, Rudolph, or Rudiger in German-speaking regions. The name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'wolf'. Rudi offers a friendlier, more approachable alternative to the formal Rudolf, maintaining the name's strength while adding an endearing quality. In popular culture, it gained some recognition through figures like Rudi Völler, the German footballer. The name has a pleasant, accessible sound that works well cross-culturally. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rudi enjoys consistent usage in Germanic countries and has seen occasional interest elsewhere for its distinctive yet straightforward character. The name's compact, two-syllable structure gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots.

  2. Richie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Richard, English, German
    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler"
    • Description:

      Richie was once a popular enough nickname for Richard that it made the Top 1000 all by itself, blending in with Ronnie, Reggie, Robbie, and Randy. In the US, it last appeared in the charts back in the 70s, but its still in style in the UK where a recent year saw it rank at the latter end of the charts, alongside Drew, Wilf, and Bobbie.
  3. Rufina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
  4. Raven
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Make that bird name, and while it does work for both genders, it's far more popular for girls, via Raven Symone.
  5. Rego
    • Origin:

      Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "ditch, channel"
    • Description:

      A surname that could become a first, an alternate to the already-taken REGIS.
  6. Rikissa
    • Origin:

      Swedish variation of Richiza, German
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"
    • Description:

      Rikissa is an old Swedish name famously borne by Rikissa Birgersdotter, Queen of Norway. Her name was derived from the Germanic Richiza, which is derived from the same source as Richard. That makes Rikissa an unexpected, quirky way to honor an important Richard in your life.
  7. Rowdy
    • Origin:

      American word name
    • Meaning:

      "noisy, disorderly, riotous"
    • Description:

      Rowdy was first famously used as a given name in the television series Rawhide, with the young Clint Eastwood playing Rowdy Yates. More recently, competitive swimmer Rowdy Gaines has been featured in a series of TV commercials, and a new badass baby name is gaining notice.
  8. 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.
  9. Ramsay
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "low-lying land"
    • Description:

      A surname occasionally used as a first, as in former attorney general Ramsey Clark. This spelling is now closely associated with the psychopathic Game of Thrones villain Ramsay Snow (later Ramsay Bolton), and so is probably best avoided as long as the show and books are popular.
  10. Romary
    • Origin:

      French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "famously strong"
    • Description:

      Romy lovers, here's a new one for you! Romary is a surname with French and Scottish roots and has historically been a masculine given name in France. It would be a great choice on either sex, but feels slightly more feminine with the -mary ending and Romy nickname.
  11. Radcliff
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "red cliff"
    • Description:

      Harvard's sibling.
  12. Raimond
    • Origin:

      Estonian variation of Raymond, German
    • Meaning:

      "wise-protector"
    • Description:

      The short form, Raivo, is more common these days.
  13. Rembrandt
    • Origin:

      Dutch artist name
    • Description:

      The name of the most renowned of the Old Masters is a potential option for families who put an emphasis on the creative. Rembrandt Peale was a member of the Peale family of painters, all named for famous artists.
  14. Romary
    • Origin:

      French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "famously strong"
    • Description:

      Romary is most commonly seen as a surname, although it would make a charming first name for a boy or girl. It has French and Scottish origins — the French form is a variation of the given name Romaric and has also been adopted as a surname. The meaning of the Scottish surname is unknown.
  15. 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.
  16. Ruadhan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      Ruadhan (sometimes spelt with a fada: Ruadhán) is a fashionable name in its native Ireland. Borne one of the Twelve Irish Apostles, it originated as a diminutive of Ruadh, meaning "red-haired". It has sometimes been Anglicized as Rowan.
  17. Raido
    • Origin:

      Proto-Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "ride, journey"
    • Description:

      Raido is the rune that corresponds with the Latin letter R in the Elder Furthark runic alphabet. In Old English, it was translated at Rad.

      Nowadays it makes an interesting baby name for linguists and language-enthusiasts.

  18. Raziela
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord's secret"
    • Description:

      Most graceful of the Raz names, relates to Graziella.
  19. Roe
    • Origin:

      English, Scottish, Irish, Norwegian, or Korean surname
    • Meaning:

      "roe deer; wise protector; son of Ruadh; red; clearing; ability"
    • Description:

      In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.
  20. Rousseau
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "little redhead"
    • Description:

      Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri Rousseau.

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