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German Names that Start With R

  1. Rosamond

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "horse protection"

    • Description:

      The kind of serious old-school name that sounds appealing again; perfect for the intrepid baby namer. More commonly spelled Rosamund but highly unusual these days in either version, with fewer than 20 baby girls named Rosamund in the US last year while Rosamond didn't even register with five.
  2. Reynard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "powerful advice"

    • Description:

      Associated with Reynard the cunning fox in medieval European animal tales. Reynard can make an unusual yet historic choice for a modern boy, a modern day Richard or Robert.
  3. Rudolph

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"

    • Description:

      Sure, he'd probably get a certain amount of red-nosed teasing around the holiday, but a boy named Rudolph could probably take it. Besides, he's got other, more distinguished namesakes -- the great ballet dancer Nureyev, silent screen Lothario Valentino and 9-11 Mayor Giuliani.
  4. 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.
  5. Ronja

    • Origin:

      Swedish literary name

    • Description:

      Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden.
  6. Rilla

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "small brook"

    • Description:

      Rilla dropped out of the US Top 1000 in 1915, but it's starting to feel like an intriguing possibility again in this age of short, sweet, a-ending names for girls. It is traditionally a short form for names ending in -rilla, like Marilla from the Anne of Green Gables books (Anne's youngest daughter is Bertha Marilla, called Rilla for short). Rilla may also derive from the German word Rille, meaning "brook; stream".
  7. Raffaela

    • Origin:

      German variation of Hebrew Raphaela

    • Meaning:

      "God heals"

    • Description:

      Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.
  8. Richmond

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "powerful protector"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Variation of Rebecca, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "servant of God"

    • Description:

      Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version. The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in Early America.
  10. Reinhold

    • Description:

      Reinhold is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'wise ruler' or 'counsel ruler,' derived from the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule). This traditional name has deep historical roots in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia, where it has been used since medieval times. While Reinhold enjoyed considerable popularity throughout Europe in earlier centuries, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, its usage has declined in modern times. Today, it's considered a classic but somewhat uncommon name that carries an air of dignity and old-world charm. The name remains more prevalent in Germanic countries and communities with strong German heritage, where traditional naming patterns are still valued.

  11. Rosalinde

    • Description:

      Rosalinde is a romantic feminine name with Germanic and French influences, derived from the elements 'hros' (horse) and 'linde' (soft, tender). This elegant variation of Rosalind was immortalized in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' and carries a timeless, literary appeal. The name blends the familiar charm of Rose with a sophisticated, fairy-tale ending. While never among the most popular names, Rosalinde has maintained a consistent presence throughout European history, particularly in Germany and France. Its melodious quality and cultural associations with beauty and grace make it an enchanting choice with vintage appeal for contemporary parents.
  12. Reta

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "shaken"

    • Description:

      With a soft e, sounds like an affected pronunciation of Rita.
  13. Rilian

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "small stream"

    • Description:

      A male character in The Chronicles of Narnia, but could conceivably be used for a girl.
  14. 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.
  15. Romer

    • Origin:

      German surname

    • Meaning:

      "pilgrim; fame"

    • Description:

      Romer might be considered a streamlined spelling of the German surname Rohmer, whose root means fame or renown, or a name that was given to those who made pilgrimages to Rome, which is related to Romeo and its brothers. With the style value of other Rome names from Roman to Romy, this is one we predict we'll hear more of.
  16. Ruprecht

    • Description:

      Ruprecht is a traditional German masculine name with ancient Germanic roots. It derives from 'hruod' meaning 'fame' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. This name was particularly popular among medieval German nobility and royalty. Ruprecht is the German form of Robert and also the traditional name of Knecht Ruprecht, a companion of Saint Nicholas in German folklore who is similar to Krampus. While the name has declined in everyday usage in modern Germany, it retains strong cultural connections and historical significance. In English-speaking countries, Ruprecht remains quite rare, often perceived as distinctively Old World and traditional.
  17. Rheta

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "eloquent speaker"

    • Description:

      See RETA.
  18. Raimund

    • Description:

      Raimund is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'ragin' meaning 'advice' or 'counsel' and 'mund' meaning 'protection.' It's the German variation of Raymond, which became popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Raimund carries an air of classical dignity with its traditional spelling and historical roots. The name has maintained steady usage in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe, though it's less common in English-speaking regions where Raymond is preferred. Raimund has a strong, distinguished sound with its two distinct syllables. Its long history and noble meaning of 'wise protector' make it appealing to parents seeking a name with substance and heritage.

  19. Ruperta

    • Description:

      Ruperta is the feminine form of Rupert, originating from Germanic roots meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory." The name comes from the ancient elements 'hruod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright). Though rare in modern usage, Ruperta has historical significance particularly in European aristocratic families. The name reached modest popularity during the Middle Ages but has since become quite uncommon. Ruperta projects an air of classical dignity and old-world charm. In Spanish-speaking countries, it might be occasionally encountered, though even there it remains an uncommon choice for baby girls. Those named Ruperta often appreciate the name's distinctive quality and rich heritage.
  20. Rupprecht

    • Description:

      Rupprecht is a masculine German name with strong historical roots, particularly in Bavaria. It is the German form of Robert, derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" meaning "fame" and "beraht" meaning "bright" or "famous." The name has royal associations, having been borne by several Bavarian princes and nobles throughout history, including Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria (1869-1955). Though uncommon outside German-speaking regions, Rupprecht maintains a certain dignified presence and historical gravitas. The pronunciation, roughly "ROOP-rekht," preserves its distinctive German character. For parents seeking a name with aristocratic German heritage and a strong, authoritative sound, Rupprecht offers historical depth while being rare enough to be truly distinctive in most contemporary settings.