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. 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. Rebekah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"
    • Description:

      Many parents prefer this spelling of Rebecca, used in some versions of the Bible. Still, it's slipped considerably since its heyday in the eighties and nineties and fell off the US Top 1000 completely in 2023.
  4. 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".
  5. Rilian
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "small stream"
    • Description:

      A male character in The Chronicles of Narnia, but could conceivably be used for a girl.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

  10. Roth
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "redhead"
    • Description:

      This surname-name originated as a nickname for redheads.
  11. Rudolf
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rudolph, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"
    • Description:

      You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.
  12. 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.
  13. Renate
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to be born again"
    • Description:

      Common French and German alternative to Renata.
  14. Reta
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shaken"
    • Description:

      With a soft e, sounds like an affected pronunciation of Rita.
  15. 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.
  16. Resel
    • Description:

      Resel is an uncommon feminine name with possible Germanic or Hebrew origins. As a Germanic name, it may be a diminutive form of Theresa, meaning 'harvester' or 'summer.' In Hebrew contexts, it could be related to 'Rachel,' meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' Resel has remained quite rare throughout history, not appearing on most popularity charts. The name has a delicate, vintage quality that could appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with historical roots. Its brevity and soft sound make it an elegant choice that works well across different cultures, though its rarity may result in occasional pronunciation clarification.

  17. 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.
  18. Rike
    • Description:

      Rike is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a shortened form of names like Frederike or Ulrike. In German-speaking countries, particularly Northern Germany and parts of Scandinavia, Rike has been used for centuries. The name derives from elements meaning 'power,' 'ruler,' or 'peaceful ruler.' Compact and strong, Rike has a modern feel despite its historical roots. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, its brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. Rike offers a combination of traditional European heritage with a crisp, modern sound.
  19. Rheta
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "eloquent speaker"
    • Description:

      See RETA.
  20. 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.

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