Good Surnames
- Rainhart
Description:
Rainhart is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'hart' (strong, brave, or hardy). This powerful combination creates a meaning akin to 'strong counselor' or 'brave advisor.' Rainhart represents an alternative spelling of the more common Reinhard/Reinhardt, which was popular throughout medieval Germany and continues to appear in German-speaking regions. The name carries associations with strength, wisdom, and leadership qualities. Despite its ancient roots, Rainhart maintains a certain timeless quality with its strong consonants and meaningful etymology. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has occasionally been adopted by families with German heritage or those drawn to its distinctive sound and powerful meaning. The variant spelling with 'ai' rather than 'ei' gives the name a slightly more accessible pronunciation for English speakers.
- Redding
Description:
Redding is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, primarily derived from a surname and place name. It historically referred to someone from the town of Reading in Berkshire, England, whose name comes from Old English 'readingas' meaning 'people of Read' (where Read was a tribal leader). As a first name, Redding has a strong, distinguished quality with its crisp consonants. It carries associations with literacy and knowledge due to its homophone 'reading.' The name remains quite rare as a given name, making it a distinctive choice. Its surname-to-first-name transition follows contemporary naming trends. Parents might choose Redding for its English heritage, distinctive sound, and unique character that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Redmond
Origin:
Irish variation of RaymondMeaning:
"wise protector"Description:
We love this partly for purely personal reasons, since it is one of our surnames. We used it as the middle name of a son –and it can make a good first choice too. Redmond – also found as Reamann or Raemonn – is the Irish form of the Germanic name that occurs in modern English as Raymond.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
A slim, elegant, silvery surname, Reed could be a banker or a sculptor, and therein lies the appeal of this simple yet distinctive name. The versatile Reed can be seen as a grass-like nature name and a musical name.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
- Remo
Origin:
Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknownDescription:
Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
- Rhodes
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Rhydderch
Description:
Rhydderch is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the elements 'rhudd' meaning 'red' or 'crimson' and 'derch' meaning 'splendid' or 'magnificent.' Historically, it was the name of several notable Welsh kings and nobles, particularly Rhydderch Hael (the Generous), a 6th-century ruler of Strathclyde. The name carries connotations of nobility, generosity, and leadership in Welsh tradition. While relatively uncommon in modern usage outside of Wales, it represents a strong connection to Welsh heritage and history. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Welsh speakers, typically approximated as 'hrith-erkh' with a rolled 'r' sound.
- Ridder
Description:
Ridder is a masculine name with Germanic and Dutch origins, literally meaning 'knight' or 'rider' in these languages. Historically used as an occupational surname for horsemen or knights, its transition to a first name carries strong connotations of chivalry, bravery, and nobility. In Dutch and German contexts, 'ridder' specifically refers to a member of a knightly order or someone who has been knighted. As a given name, Ridder remains quite rare internationally, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a strong, masculine sound with its double consonant and straightforward pronunciation. Parents might choose Ridder for its unique character, historical associations with honor and valor, or to honor Dutch or German heritage.
- Riese
Description:
Riese is a masculine name of German origin, derived from the word 'riese' meaning 'giant' or 'enormous one.' It embodies strength, power, and an impressive presence. The name can also be connected to Old English 'rise,' referring to someone who 'rises above' or shows excellence. As a surname-turned-first-name, Riese maintains a dignified quality while being uncommon enough to be distinctive. Though not widely used as a first name, Riese appeals to parents seeking a strong, concise name with Germanic roots. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling combined with its powerful meaning make it an increasingly appealing choice for boys in contemporary naming trends.
- Riordan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"bard, royal poet"Description:
Has a legitimate first name history in its native land and an appealing meaning, but pronunciation is far from obvious.
- Ripp
Origin:
Spelling variation of Rip, DutchMeaning:
"strength, might"Description:
Ripp removes this name one step from its violent meaning.
- Rocco
Origin:
Italian from GermanMeaning:
"rest"Description:
Madonna did much to polish up the image of this old-neighborhood Italian choice when she picked it for her son with British director Guy Ritchie, and several years later it was also used by Rose Byrne and Bobby Canavale for their son. It now feels much more mainstream than many celebrity baby names, sharing the quirky appeal of some other so-far-out-they're-in baby names as Bruno and Hugo.
- Rodney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"island near the clearing"Description:
Rodney peaked at Number 33 in 1965 and has been on a steady decline ever since. As its popularity history indicates, this name is more fitting for someone born in the mid-twentieth century instead of the twenty-first century. It's likely this name will continue trending downward for another generation or two before it has its chance to turn back around.
- Rodriguez
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"son of Rodrigo"Description:
Common Spanish surname that can work as a first.
- Rooney
Origin:
English or Gaelic surnameMeaning:
"descendent of the champion"Description:
Talented actress Rooney Mara (originally born Patricia Rooney) has single-handedly transformed this Gaelic surname into a wearable and elegant girls' name. Often said to mean "red-haired", the original surname, rendered as O' Ruanaidh, actually means "descendent of the champion". Trivia note: the most famous Rooney, Mickey Rooney, was originally born Joseph Yule.
- Roper
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"rope maker"Description:
Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.
- Ruiseart
Origin:
Scottish GaelicMeaning:
"brave ruler"Description:
Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.
- Rumo
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"red"Description:
Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.
- Ryder
Origin:
British surnameMeaning:
"cavalryman, messenger"Description:
Ryder, one of the current favorite er-ending boys’ names, has been in the spotlight since Kate Hudson and her rocker husband Chris Robinson chose it for their son in 2004. Very popular in several provinces of Canada, Ryder was chosen by John Leguzamo for his son and adorns Boy Meets World star Ryder Strong.