Unusual Male Names From My Genealogy R-Z

Ramiro

Spanish; Portuguese

"great judge"

A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.

Rowland

Spelling variation of Roland, German

"famous throughout the land"

Rowland is more usually the surname spelling of Roland, as in Kelly Rowland.

Rees

Rees is a Welsh masculine name derived from the Welsh word 'rhys,' meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' This concise, strong name has deep Celtic roots and has been borne by several Welsh princes and…

Rurik

Russian variation of Roderick, German

"famous ruler"

Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.

Wendel

Wendel is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Vandals, an ancient East Germanic tribe. The name means 'wanderer' or 'one who travels,' reflecting the nomadic nature of these…

Ranulph

Scottish variation of Randolph

"shield-wolf"

An old name still occasionally heard in the U.K., but still and perhaps forever a foreigner in the U.S. Can be spelled Ranulf.

Renaud

French variation of Reginald

Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.

Rice

English nature name

Rice is really stretching the nature name boundary to its outer edges. But you may want to take it that far.

Sancho

Spanish variation of Santos

Name of nine provincial Spanish kings, but more likely to conjure up Sancho Panza, the hapless squire of Don Quixote.