As Ryan quickly becomes a plausible option for a girl, some parents may be interested in the spelling Rian — the more authentic and original form of the name.

Adds some zest to Rosa.

Historically more popular for boys and generally less familiar than its sound-alike Rowan, Roan is a name with multiple meanings, origins, and pronunciations. Given to less than 10 girls back in 2023, time will tell if singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has brought the name more exposure.

An appealing Spanish surname that also works as a spin on cool nature name River, Rivera can mean either "bank or shore" or, simply "river". The name was chosen for 6 girls in a recent year in the US.

Asking for trouble. Rebel Wilson is a hilarious Australian actress who puts a female spin on this contemporary badass baby name. Still, we think this name is truly gender neutral – though hardly neutral in any other way. Rebel is undoubtedly one of the edgiest girls' names starting with the letter R.

A unisex name, Rylan plays on many popular baby names, including Ryan and Riley. For boys, the trendy Rylan is in the US Top 500, while for girls, it fell out of Top 1000 in 2023, having been a regular feature since 2009.

Rylie is a spelling variation of the more-popular traditional Riley. In the US Top 1000 since 1997, it has peaked in 2004, 2008, and 2016 when it nearly reached the Top 300. It fell significantly in 2023, however, its popularity has always been bumpy. Riley, Rylee, and Ryleigh all rank above Rylie but when you combine all the spellings, it feels like a Top 20 name.

Rosegold, or rose gold, is actually an alloy of gold and copper, used in jewellery for its warm, pinkish hue. It would make for a pretty and quirky girl name, with sweet short forms Rosie and Goldie.

Raymonde is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'mund' (protection). It represents the female counterpart to Raymond. Particularly popular in French-speaking regions, Raymonde enjoyed its height of popularity in France during the early to mid-20th century. The name carries connotations of wisdom and guardianship, suggesting someone who offers both intelligent advice and protective care. While less common in English-speaking countries, Raymonde maintains an air of sophisticated French elegance that appeals to parents seeking a name with European flair. Its distinctive ending gives the traditionally masculine Raymond a gentle, feminine quality while preserving the strength of its meaning.

Most contemporary parents would probably opt for the more streamlined Elle.

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.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.

A rare and beautiful member of the "Rose" family of names, Rosenwyn is a modern Cornish compound name meaning "white rose" or "fair rose". There is a popular Cornish folk song titled An Rosen Wyn, which may have inspired its use as a name.

Rylynn blends a number of modern trends: love for name Riley, the addition of the -lyn suffix, replacement of a vowel with a Y, a nature-connected meaning, and a slightly unisex, surname-inspired feel. The name peaked in 2019 when 209 girls were given the name, though recent years have seen if decline.

Rianna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Rhianna or Rhiannon, names with Welsh origins—Rhiannon being a figure in Welsh mythology associated with horses and birds, meaning 'great queen' or 'divine queen.' Alternatively, it could be a variation of Riana, which has Sanskrit roots meaning 'sweet singer.' The name gained moderate recognition particularly after the rise of singer Rihanna, though this spelling variant maintains its own distinct identity. Rianna offers a melodic quality that works well internationally, being relatively straightforward to pronounce across languages. While never reaching top popularity charts, the name has maintained steady usage since the 1990s, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds contemporary yet has traditional roots.

Regia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'regius' meaning 'royal' or 'regal.' This connection to royalty gives the name an inherent sense of dignity and elegance. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Regia has occasionally been used in Italian, Spanish, and Romanian communities. The name shares linguistic roots with words like 'regent' and 'regal,' reinforcing its associations with leadership and nobility. Botanically, Regia also appears in the Latin names of several majestic plants, including the royal walnut tree (Juglans regia). As a personal name, Regia offers parents a distinctive choice with classical roots and a commanding yet feminine presence, suitable for those seeking a rare name with an inherent sense of strength and grace.

Raylynn is a contemporary feminine name that combines the popular 'Ray' prefix with the fashionable 'lynn' suffix. 'Ray' typically derives from Raymond, meaning 'wise protector,' or may reference 'ray of light,' suggesting brightness and hope. The 'lynn' element comes from the Welsh word for 'lake' or 'waterfall.' This compound name emerged primarily in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century as part of the trend toward created names with melodious sounds. Raylynn gained modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in southern states. The name has a modern, feminine quality while maintaining a connection to nature imagery through its component parts.

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.

Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.