Greek Names that Start With R

  1. Rhodes
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "where roses grow"
    • Description:

      This is a name we've seen the potential of for some time now — A Greek island and a prestigious scholarship make for a preppy first name with the uber-stylish S ending. Needless to say we were not surprised that Rhodes cracked the Top 1000 in 2022, and we expect it to keep rising. Rhodes was recently chosen by actress Emma Roberts for her son, born in 2020.
  2. Rue
    • Origin:

      Botanical names or word name
    • Meaning:

      "herb; regret"
    • Description:

      Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.
  3. Rhea
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "a flowing stream"
    • Description:

      Rhea is an old-style creative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops.
  4. Rena
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Greek, Estonian, Scandinavian, German, Punjabi
    • Meaning:

      "joyous melody; peace; reborn; to remain"
    • Description:

      Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".
  5. Rodion
    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "song of the hero"
    • Description:

      Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.
  6. Rheya
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "flowing stream"
    • Description:

      It's a futuristic name in Solaris, but it is also related to Rhea, the name of Zeus's mother and wife of Cronus.
  7. Rhoda
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "rose"
    • Description:

      To those who remember, Rhoda is still reminiscent of the brassy Bronx 1970s sitcom Rhoda Morgenstern. But Rhoda has a much longer history--it is a name that can be found in the New Testament as a servant girl in the house of Mary, mother of John. Later, Rhoda appeared in the novel Vanity Fair and the Shaw play Man and Superman.
  8. Reta
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shaken"
    • Description:

      With a soft e, sounds like an affected pronunciation of Rita.
  9. Rouvin
    • Description:

      Rouvin is a masculine name of French origin, likely a variant of Ruben or Reuben, which has Hebrew roots meaning "behold, a son." This uncommon name carries an air of sophistication and uniqueness. Throughout history, it has remained relatively rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something uncommon. Rouvin has a melodic quality when pronounced, with its soft 'v' sound creating an elegant impression. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it occasionally appears in French-speaking regions and among Jewish communities. The name's scarcity contributes to its appeal for those wanting to bestow a name with both historical connections and individuality.
  10. Roxane
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      Alternative (rarer) spelling of Roxanne.
  11. Reveka
    • Description:

      Reveka is a feminine name representing a variant spelling or cultural adaptation of Rebecca. Rebecca originated from Hebrew רִבְקָה (Rivkah), meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind', and appears in the Bible as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. This particular spelling, Reveka, reflects how the name is rendered in some Slavic and Eastern European languages, particularly close to the Greek form Ρεβέκκα (Revekka). While Rebecca remains common throughout the Western world, the Reveka variant is considerably rarer, offering a distinctive alternative with the same rich biblical heritage. The name carries connotations of beauty, wisdom, and maternal strength from its biblical associations.

  12. Rihardos
    • Description:

      Rihardos is a masculine name that represents a Greek variation of the Germanic name Richard. The original name combines the elements 'ric' meaning 'power, rule, leader' and 'hard' meaning 'brave, hardy'. This Hellenized form emerged as Greek-speaking communities adapted foreign names to fit their phonetic patterns. While uncommon even in Greece, it provides an interesting Mediterranean twist on the widely recognized Richard. Rihardos maintains the strength and authoritative quality of its root name while offering a distinctive international flair. The name might be encountered occasionally in Greek communities or diaspora populations, but remains a rare choice globally.
  13. Romanos
    • Description:

      Romanos is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the Greek form of the Latin name 'Romanus,' which means 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This ancient name has historical significance in both Byzantine and Orthodox Christian traditions. Several Byzantine emperors bore this name, including Romanos I Lekapenos who ruled in the 10th century. In Orthodox Christian history, Saint Romanos the Melodist was a noted 6th-century composer of hymns. The name remains in use primarily in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek diaspora communities. Romanos carries a classical, scholarly air with connections to both Hellenic and Roman cultures. While not commonly used globally, it offers parents a distinctive option with deep historical roots and clear Mediterranean cultural associations.
  14. Rheta
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "eloquent speaker"
    • Description:

      See RETA.
  15. Raemonia
    • Description:

      Raemonia is an uncommon feminine name with a melodic, flowing quality. It appears to be a modern creation, possibly combining elements from names like Ramona (Spanish, meaning 'wise protector') and Rae (a diminutive of Rachel, meaning 'ewe' in Hebrew, or sometimes used as a feminine form of Ray). The name has a musical rhythm with its four syllables and soft consonants. While lacking extensive historical usage, Raemonia has a contemporary feel that might appeal to parents seeking something unique yet familiar-sounding. The name projects an elegant, somewhat mystical quality while still being pronounceable and accessible. Raemonia remains extremely rare in usage statistics but fits with trends toward longer, melodious feminine names.