Red Dog Names
- Russo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
An Italian surname — a variant of Rossi — meaning "red", hence a red-headed person. Russo is punchy and full of gusto, and very rare as a first name. It debuted on the US charts for boys in 2019.
- Russet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"reddish"Description:
Both warmer and cooler than Russell.
- Gough
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"red"Description:
Most closely associated with Australia's iconic progressive Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, this name is a great choice for politicos or parents wanting to honor their Welsh heritage in naming a red-haired son.
- Rua
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red"Description:
Anglicized form of Ruadh
- Radley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red meadow"Description:
An emerging unisex surname name. Radley is more common for boys — it could be seen as an updated version of Bradley — but for girls, it's a rare alternative to Hadley and Adley.
- Akako
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"red"Description:
The color red was considered to have magical properties in early Japanese culture, with the power to cure blood and other illnesses. Pronounced ah-kah-ko.
- Atkin
Origin:
English diminutive of Adam, HebrewMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Atkin is a short form of Adam that originated in Medieval England. It's now obsolete, but traces remain in surnames such as Atkins and Atkinson.
- Admon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"red"Description:
A handsome and rare Hebrew name related to Adam — it was given to fewer than five American babies in the United States in 2021.
- Flannery
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Flannghal"Description:
Flann variation that's most familiar as the name of writer Flannery O'Connor. It derives from the Irish surname Ó Flannghaile, meaning "descendant of Flannghal".
- Flann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"ruddy, red-haired"Description:
Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard.
- Rufina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
- Colorado
Origin:
Spanish place-nameMeaning:
"colored red"Description:
More unusual than Dakota or Austin, Colorado conjures images of majestic mountains and windswept wilderness. Some will prefer the more preppy Aspen, but Colorado feels like the true explorer.
- Rudd
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"red or ruddy"Description:
The surname Rudd, made most famous by Antman actor Paul, derives from the words ruddy or red and may have originally been given to someone with a reddish complexion.
- Ruadan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, St. Ruadan was a follower of St. Finian and founded an abbey in Tipperary. Other versions include Ruadhain or Ruadhan.
- Flanna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Flanna is an uncommon name for a red-haired girl, not as familiar -- or some would say, as pretty -- as its nickname, Flannery.
- Rubina
Description:
Rubina is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It derives from the Latin word 'rubinus,' meaning 'ruby,' referring to the precious red gemstone. The name has particular popularity in Italy, India, and Pakistan, where it carries slightly different cultural connotations while maintaining its connection to the gemstone. In Indian and Pakistani communities, it is sometimes considered a Muslim name meaning 'ruby-like' or 'precious stone.' Rubina has a romantic, jewel-like quality with its flowing syllables and connection to the vibrant red ruby. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained steady, modest usage over decades, appreciated for its elegant sound and meaningful connection to a treasured gemstone.
- Burgundy
Origin:
French place-name; also color nameDescription:
Ron Burgundy was Will Ferrell's fictional helmet-haired newsman, but this color name is much more suited to a girl.
- Vermillion
Description:
Vermillion is an extremely rare feminine name derived from the vibrant red-orange pigment of the same name. The word ultimately comes from Latin 'vermiculum,' meaning 'little worm,' referring to the tiny insects (kermes) from which this crimson dye was originally made. As a given name, Vermillion falls into the category of color names, alongside more common choices like Scarlet or Ruby. However, Vermillion remains exceptionally uncommon, making it a truly distinctive choice. The name carries strong associations with creativity, boldness, and visual arts due to the pigment's historical importance in painting. Its four syllables and melodic quality give it a flowing, elaborate sound that contrasts with shorter color names, offering parents a dramatic and artistic choice that's virtually guaranteed to be unique.
- Kindle
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"arouse; set on fire"Description:
Kindle is riding on the coattails of Kendall and co with its on-trend sounds. As a word, it has an inspirational meaning, but its secondary modern-day meaning — as an Amazon brand of tablets — gives it a branded quality.
- Rubio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"red-haired, ruddy"Description:
Bright and lively in sound, Rubio is a Spanish surname which was originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It ultimately derives from the Latin root rubers meaniing "red", which connects it to the popular Ruby.