Choosing the perfect name for your baby is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent. Names beginning with the letter “R” offer a rich variety of styles—from timeless classics to modern trends and rare gems. Whether you’re drawn to strong, romantic, or unique names, this comprehensive list of 50 American baby names starting with R will inspire you. Let’s dive in!
Classic & Timeless “R” Names
1. Richard
Meaning: “Brave ruler” (Old German)
A strong, enduring name with royal roots, nicknames include Rick, Richie, and Dick.
2. Rebecca
Meaning: “To bind” or “captivating” (Hebrew)
A biblical name with elegance and charm, often shortened to Becca or Becky.
3. Robert
Meaning: “Bright fame” (Old German)
A steadfast classic with variants like Rob, Robbie, and Bobby.
4. Rachel
Meaning: “Ewe” (Hebrew, symbolizing gentleness)
A beloved biblical name with a sweet, timeless appeal.
5. Ryan
Meaning: “Little king” (Irish)
A unisex-leaning name that’s strong yet approachable.
6. Rose
Meaning: The flower (Latin)
A symbol of love and beauty, also used in compound names like Rosemary and Rosalie.
7. Raymond
Meaning: “Wise protector” (Old German)
A distinguished name with vintage charm.
8. Ruth
Meaning: “Companion” or “friend” (Hebrew)
A short, powerful biblical name with deep significance.
9. Ronald
Meaning: “Ruler’s counselor” (Old Norse)
A classic name with friendly nicknames like Ron and Ronnie.
10. Regina
Meaning: “Queen” (Latin)
A regal, sophisticated choice.
Modern & Trendy “R” Names
11. Riley
Meaning: “Courageous” (Irish)
A popular unisex name with a lively, youthful vibe.
12. Rowan
Meaning: “Little red-haired one” (Gaelic)
A nature-inspired unisex name with a mystical touch.
13. Remi (or Remy)
Meaning: “Oarsman” (French)
A chic, gender-neutral name rising in popularity.
14. River
Meaning: A flowing body of water
A serene, nature-themed name for boys and girls.
15. Reagan
Meaning: “Little ruler” (Irish)
A strong unisex name with presidential ties.
16. Raelynn
Meaning: Combination of Rae + Lynn
A melodic, modern invented name.
17. Rory
Meaning: “Red king” (Irish)
A spirited unisex name with Celtic roots.
18. Rylan
Meaning: “Land where rye is grown” (English)
A fresh, contemporary surname-style name.
19. Remington
Meaning: “From the raven estate” (English)
A stylish, upscale choice with nickname Remi.
20. Royal
Meaning: “Regal” or “kingly”
A bold, aspirational name for boys and girls.
Unique & Uncommon “R” Names
21. Rhiannon
Meaning: “Divine queen” (Welsh)
A mystical name from Celtic mythology and Fleetwood Mac fame.
22. Rafferty
Meaning: “Prosperity” (Irish)
A charming, rare surname-style name.
23. Romilly
Meaning: “From the rosemary estate” (Latin)
An elegant, underused unisex option.
24. Rumi
Meaning: “Beauty” (Japanese) or inspired by poet Rumi
A short, artistic name with global appeal.
25. Soren
Meaning: “Stern” (Danish)
A sleek, Scandinavian name gaining traction in the U.S.
26. Reverie
Meaning: “Daydream” (French)
A whimsical, poetic choice.
27. Ragnar
Meaning: “Warrior” (Old Norse)
A bold Viking-inspired name.
28. Rune
Meaning: “Secret” or “mystery” (Norse)
A short, mystical unisex name.
29. Riva
Meaning: “From the shore” (Italian)
A sleek, international-sounding name.
30. Rohan
Meaning: “Ascending” (Sanskrit) or “red-haired” (Irish)
A multicultural name with a strong sound.
Gender-Neutral “R” Names
31. Reese
Meaning: “Enthusiasm” (Welsh)
A crisp, stylish name for any gender.
32. Robin
Meaning: The bird (English)
A timeless unisex nature name.
33. Remi (or Remy)
Meaning: “Oarsman” (French)
A chic, rising star in gender-neutral naming.
34. Ryan
Meaning: “Little king” (Irish)
Traditionally male but now used for all genders.
35. Rowan
Meaning: “Little red-haired one” (Gaelic)
A versatile, nature-inspired choice.
“R” Names with Beautiful Meanings
36. Rosalind
Meaning: “Gentle horse” or “beautiful rose”
A literary name with Shakespearean ties.
37. Raphael
Meaning: “God has healed” (Hebrew)
A strong, artistic name.
38. Serenity
Meaning: “Peaceful”
A virtue name with a calming effect.
39. Ronan
Meaning: “Little seal” (Irish)
A strong, melodic name.
40. Renata
Meaning: “Reborn” (Latin)
An elegant, international name.
More Unique “R” Names
41. Rocco
Meaning: “Rest” (Italian)
A rugged, cool name.
42. Romina
Meaning: “From Rome” (Latin)
A romantic, exotic choice.
43. Rafe
Meaning: “Wolf-counsel” (Old Norse)
A sleek, uncommon alternative to Ralph.
44. Raina
Meaning: “Queen” (Slavic)
A regal, lyrical name.
45. Riggs
Meaning: “Ridge” (English)
A strong, surname-style name.
46. Roscoe
Meaning: “Deer forest” (Old Norse)
A vintage name with a quirky charm.
47. Raya
Meaning: “Friend” (Hebrew)
A short, sweet international name.
48. Rohan
Meaning: “Ascending” (Sanskrit)
A multicultural favorite.
49. Rumi
Meaning: “Beauty” (Japanese)
A poetic, artistic name.
50. Rylan
Meaning: “Land where rye is grown”
A modern, surname-style pick.
Final Thoughts
Names starting with “R” offer an incredible range—from timeless classics (Robert, Rachel) to modern hits (Remy, Rowan) and rare gems (Rafferty, Reverie). Whether you want a name that’s strong, sweet, or truly unique, this list provides 50 beautiful options to consider.
Which “R” name is your favorite? Share your top picks in the comments!
