Girls Names Beginning With R

Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.

Rachel was derived from the Hebrew word rāchēl, meaning "ewe." In the Old Testament, Rachel was the favorite wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. International variations include the Spanish Raquel and Israeli Rahel.

Racheli is a feminine name that originated as a Hebrew diminutive or endearing form of Rachel. The name Rachel comes from Hebrew roots meaning "ewe" or "female sheep," and has biblical significance as the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The -i ending in Racheli adds an affectionate quality to the traditional name, similar to adding "dear" or "beloved" to Rachel. This form is particularly popular in Israel and among Jewish communities. While standard Rachel has been consistently popular in Western countries, Racheli remains less common outside of Israel. The name combines the timeless heritage of Rachel with a warm, intimate quality through its diminutive ending, creating a name that feels both traditional and personally meaningful.

Rachella is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate form of Rachel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' The addition of the -la suffix creates a more melodic, romantic variation while maintaining the biblical connection of the original name. Rachella combines the familiarity of Rachel with a distinctive European flair, possibly reflecting Italian or Spanish influence in its construction. While less common than Rachel, Rachella offers a more elaborate option for parents drawn to the biblical name but seeking something slightly unique. The name carries the same associations of gentleness and biblical significance as Rachel, with an added touch of elegance and sophistication through its extended ending.

Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.

This eye-catchingly unique name was coined by Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden, who gave it to their daughter, born in 2020. It may derive from the Latin radix, meaning "root", or perhaps from the Slavic name element rad, meaning "happy; willing".

Raddix is among the most unique celebrity baby names of recent years.

What do you get when you cross two out-of-style, mid-century favorites together?

This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.

Oh, the many spellings of Rafaella. Those with Fs and double-Ls denote Italian origins, while an F and a single L is Spanish and Portuguese. The original Hebrew form is Raphaela.

Rafaila is a feminine name derived from Raphael, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God has healed.' This feminine variation maintains the melodic quality of the original while adapting it for feminine use, particularly in Greek, Romanian, and Eastern European naming traditions. The name carries spiritual significance as Raphael is one of the archangels in various religious traditions, associated with healing and protection. Rafaila combines ancient heritage with a flowing, musical sound pattern. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, the name has historical precedent in Orthodox Christian communities. The name offers parents a choice with deep religious and cultural roots while providing a distinctive alternative to more common feminine angel names like Gabriella or Michaela.

Raffelle is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Raffaella or Raphaela, the feminine forms of Raphael. The name has Hebrew origins meaning 'God has healed' or 'healing God.' This melodious variation maintains the romantic Italian flair of Raffaella while offering a slightly different ending sound. The double 'f' and double 'l' create a rhythmic, flowing quality that enhances its elegant appeal. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, this name carries the sophisticated charm associated with Italian naming traditions. Raffelle might appeal to parents seeking a name with biblical roots and European sophistication but wanting something less common than traditional variants. The name suggests artistic sensibility and refined taste, perhaps influenced by the Renaissance painter Raphael.

Biblical woman from the Old Testament whose unique name is largely unknown in the modern world.

Japanese feminist Raicho Hiratsuka chose the name Raicho for herself - no doubt because of its fabulously meaning. As a journalist and publisher, Raicho fought for the rights of working class women in Japan’s textile industry and eschewed conventional domesticity, openly living with a lover and having her children out of wedlock. Thunderbirds are GO indeed!

Raiden is a powerful choice for a baby girl. The Japanese god of thunder’s name is traditionally pronounced RYE-den, but most children named Raiden in the US pronounce it to rhyme with familiar choices Aiden, Jayden, and Hayden.

Raimonda is a feminine name of Germanic origin, the female counterpart to Raymond. It combines the elements 'ragin' (advice, counsel) and 'mund' (protection), creating a meaning along the lines of 'wise protector.' Most common in Italy, Lithuania, and other European countries, Raimonda has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking regions. The name carries a certain strength and dignity with its strong consonants balanced by the feminine ending. Its relative rarity makes it distinctive while still being pronounceable and recognizable. Raimonda appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth that remains uncommon without being entirely unfamiliar, offering a combination of traditional substance and international appeal.

Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image.

Strong and solid, with a touch of foreign intrigue, it's the most popular of the rain-related names, with a variety of pronunciations—RAY-na, rah-EE-na, or RY-na. Alternate spellings Reyna and Rayna currently rank higher in the US.

Colorful, yes, but also probably among the hippiest of hippie names. Holly Madison recently chose it for her little girl.

Attracted attention as the stepmother of Princess Diana.