Arabic Names that Start With R

Most people will assoicate it with the well-known children's singer.

Popular Arabic name for boys and sometimes girls too, that's also a term of authority in India.

This pretty name found in Spanish-speaking countries shares the diminutive of Romy—also spelled Romi—with Rosemary. It joined the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.

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

Shy but sultry.

A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.

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.

To Muslims, an auspicious name.

Sounds a bit like a shortening of Rafael or a condensation of Rafaela, but Rafa is a name in its own right. Whether you use it as a full name or a nickname, Rafa's casual coolness could allow it to follow in the footsteps of other tomboy names for girls, like Billie and Scout.

In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.

The capital of Saudi Arabia makes a difficult first name.

Could cause pronunciation problems.

Ranya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it means 'delightful to look at' or 'she who looks good,' suggesting beauty and pleasing appearance. The name also has Sanskrit roots where it can mean 'queen' or 'princess.' Ranya has gained popularity in the Middle East, North Africa, and increasingly in Western countries as cross-cultural naming has become more common. The name offers a blend of exotic appeal with relatively straightforward pronunciation for English speakers. Ranya projects elegance, strength, and femininity, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with international flair and positive meanings across cultures. Its royal connotations in some interpretations add a sense of dignity and grace.

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

This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.

Rashida is an evocative and alluring name, currently represented by Rashida Jones, daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones, who has been featured in The Office, Parks & Recreation, and The Social Network.

One of several similar names with a pleasant, intriguing sound.

Rhythmic choice sometimes heard in Muslim families.

Rhythmic name suitable for a girl born in a springtime month.