You’ve been pregnant for a few months, and the emotions are running high — especially now that you’ve just found out you’re having a baby boy! If you’re looking for boy names that start with R, you’re not alone. Plenty of parents love the bold and timeless sound of R boy names, but narrowing it down can be tricky. Whether you’ve jotted down a few ideas or you’re starting fresh, we’ve put together a list of R names for boys that might just help you find “the one.”
Boy Names That Start With R
Sometimes the easiest place to start is with the first letter. Whether you’re matching sibling names, pairing with a specific middle or last name, or just love the sound of R, this list of R names for boys offers plenty of inspiration. Browse through and see which ones stand out!
10 Popular Boy Names That Start With R
These R boy names are topping the charts — and it’s easy to see why. This list includes classic favorites and newer picks that have climbed in popularity. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or trendy, these popular choices are loved by parents everywhere.
1. Rhett — A Dutch name meaning “to advise.”
2. Richard — German for “dominant ruler.”
3. Riley — English for “rye clearing” and Irish for “courageous.”
4. River — In English, this name means “a flowing body of water.”
5. Robert — This name means “bright fame” in German.
6. Roman — In Latin, this name means “citizen of Rome.”
7. Rowan — Scottish for “rowan tree” and Irish for “little redhead.”
8. Ryan — An Irish name meaning “little king.”
9. Ryder — English for “cavalryman” or “messenger.”
10. Ryker — This name means “rich” in German.
10 Common Boy Names That Start With R
If you’re searching for boy names with R that feel familiar but not overused, these are great options. While they may not top the popularity charts, they’re still well-loved and carry timeless appeal. From classics to cool picks, these names strike a perfect balance.
1. Rafael — Spanish for “God has healed.”
2. Raymond — A German name meaning “wise protector.”
3. Reid — In English, this name means “red-haired.”
4. Remington — English for “place on a riverbank.”
5. Remy — This name means “oarsman” in French.
6. Ricardo — Portuguese and Spanish for “dominant ruler.”
7. Romeo — An Italian name meaning “pilgrim to Rome.”
8. Ronan — This Irish name means “little seal.”
9. Rory — Irish for “red king.”
10. Russell — This name means “redhead” or “fox colored” in French.
19 Modern Boy Names Starting With R
If you’re leaning toward stylish, bold, and trend-forward names, this list is for you. These modern boy names strike the perfect balance between cool and meaningful — and they’re anything but ordinary. From nature-inspired to edgy one-syllable options, these R names for boys are perfect for parents who want something fresh and contemporary.
1. Raddix — Latin for “root.”
2. Radiant — In English, this name means “shining” or “glowing brightly.”
3. Raiden — Japanese for “thunder and lightning.”
4. Rayan — An Arabic name meaning “land that’s lush and rich in water.”
5. Reason — English for “a statement offered in explanation.”
6. Reece — This name means “ardor” in Welsh.
7. Reign — English for “rule.”
8. Relic — This is an English word for an ancient artifact.
9. Rex — A Latin name meaning “king.”
10. Righteous — This name means “moral” or “ethical” in English.
11. Rio — In Spanish, this name means “river.”
12. Ripley — English for “strip of clearing in the woods.”
13. Rise — This English name means “to lift up.”
14. Rocco — Italian for “rest.”
15. Royal — A French name meaning “the kingly one.”
16. Royce — This name means “son of the king” in English.
17. Rule — French for “famous wolf.”
18. Rumi — A Japanese name meaning “beauty” or “flow.”
19. Ryatt — This name means “little king” in Irish and “brave in war” in English.
8 Biblical Boy Names That Start With R
Searching for meaningful R boy names with spiritual roots? These biblical boy names blend timeless tradition with beautiful messages — perfect if you’re looking for a name that carries depth and history.
1. Rae — English for “ewe.”
2. Rahab — This name means “spacious” in Hebrew.
3. Ram — Arabic for “archer” and Sanskrit for “pleasing.”
4. Raphael — In Hebrew, this name means “God has healed.”
5. Rehoboam — This name means “who sets the people at liberty” in Hebrew.
6. Reuben — A Hebrew name meaning “behold, a son.”
7. Reuel — Hebrew for “friend of God.”
8. Rufus — This name means “redhead” in Latin.
28 Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start With R
These vintage picks are full of nostalgic charm and are perfect for parents who love names with a strong sense of tradition. Whether you’re drawn to boy names with R that feel classic or want a unique twist on the past, these old-fashioned names are timeless contenders ready for a revival.
1. Radcliff — This name means “red cliff” in English.
2. Ralph — English for “wolf counsel.”
3. Ramses — An Egyptian name meaning “son of God.”
4. Randall — This name means “shield wolf” in English.
5. Randolph — This name is also English for “shield wolf.”
6. Redmond — An Irish name meaning “wise protector.”
7. Reginald — This name means “counsel power” in English.
8. Regis — French for “kingly.”
9. Reilly — An Irish name meaning “courageous.”
10. Rene — French for “reborn.”
11. Rensselaer — This name means “from Rensselaer, Gelderland” in Dutch.
12. Richmond — In German, this name means “powerful protector.”
13. Roald — This Norwegian name means “famous ruler.”
14. Robertson — English for “son of Robert.”
15. Robinson — An English name meaning “son of Robin.”
16. Rockefeller — This German name means “from Rockenfeld.”
17. Rodrick — German for “famous ruler.”
18. Roger — This German name means “famous warrior.”
19. Roland — A German name meaning “famous throughout the land.”
20. Romulus — Latin for “citizen of Rome.”
21. Ronald — This Norse name means “ruler’s counselor.”
22. Roosevelt — This name means “rose field” in Dutch.
23. Ross — English for “upland” and Scottish for “peninsula.”
24. Rousseau — A French name meaning “little redhead.”
25. Ruben — In Hebrew, this name means “behold, a son.”
26. Rudy — This name means “famous wolf” in German.
27. Rupert — German for “bright fame.”
28. Rutherford — English for “cattle ford.”
19 Cute Boy Names That Start With R
Every sweet little guy deserves a name that fits his personality — and these cute boy names are full of charm. Whether you’re going for classic, playful, or modern, these R boy names are the perfect blend of adorable and meaningful.
1. Rafi — A Spanish name meaning “God has healed.”
2. Ralphie — This name is English for “wolf counsel.”
3. Ray — This name means “wise protector” in German.
4. Reagan — An Irish name meaning “little king.”
5. Reddy — Middle English for “prepared.”
6. Renley — An English name meaning “clearing” or “meadow.”
7. Ricky — In German, this name means “peaceful ruler.”
8. Rico — Spanish for “dominant ruler.”
9. Riku — Japanese for “land” or “continent.”
10. Ritchie — A German name meaning “dominant ruler.”
11. Robbie — English for “bright fame.”
12. Robin — This name is also English for “bright fame.”
13. Rocky — English for “rock” and Italian for “rest.”
14. Roe — This name means “deer” in English, “red” in Irish, and “ability” in Korean.
15. Rollie — A German name meaning “famous throughout the land.”
16. Romari — In French, this name means “glorious ruler.”
17. Rubeus — Latin for “of the bramble bush.”
18. Rudolph — This name means “famous wolf” in German.
19. Rue — An English name for an herb or “regret.”
37 Cool Boy Names That Start With R
From edgy and modern to strong and bold, these cool boy names have serious style. If you’re drawn to names that stand out and feel effortlessly confident, these R names for boys might be exactly what you’re looking for.
1. Rad — English for “adviser.”
2. Ragnar — A Norse name meaning “warrior” or “judgment.”
3. Rainier — This name means “wise army” in German.
4. Rambo — A Swedish name meaning “Raven’s Hill.”
5. Ramon — Catalan for “wise protector.”
6. Ramsey — This name means “low-lying land” in English.
7. Ransom — An English name meaning “shield’s son.”
8. Raul — Spanish for “wolf counsel.”
9. Ravi — In Hindi, this name means “conferring.”
10. Rebel — English for “defiant person.”
11. Red — This is an English nickname used for someone with red hair.
12. Remus — A Latin name meaning “oar” or “twin.”
13. Ren — Japanese for “water lily” or “lotus.”
14. Renegade — An English name meaning “defector” or “rebel.”
15. Revere — In Middle English, this name means “to admire.”
16. Reyes — This name means “royalty” in Spanish.
17. Rhys — Welsh for “ardor.”
18. Riaz — An Arabic name meaning “meadows” or “gardens.”
19. Rigden — English for “valley by the stream.”
20. Ringo — This name means “apple” in Japanese.
21. Riot — This is an English word name that means “violent civil disorder.”
22. Ritter — German for “knight” or “mounted warrior.”
23. Rivera — In Spanish, this name means “bank” or “shore.”
24. Roberto — This name means “bright fame” in Italian and Spanish.
25. Rockwell — An English name meaning “rock spring.”
26. Rodrigo — This name means “famous ruler” in Spanish and Portuguese.
27. Rodriguez — Spanish for “son of Rodrigo.”
28. Rogan — An Irish name meaning “redhead.”
29. Rogelio — In Spanish, this name means “famous spearman.”
30. Rogue — English for “independent” or “uncontrolled.”
31. Rohan — This name means “sandalwood” in Hindi.
32. Rook — English for “crow” and Persian for “chariot.”
33. Rudd — An English name meaning “red” or “ruddy.”
34. Rudyard — This name means “red enclosure” in English.
35. Rune — The meaning of this name is “secret” in German and Swedish.
36. Rush — English for “basket weaver.”
37. Ryu — A Japanese name meaning “dragon.”
15 Country Boy Names That Start With R
These country boy names are full of Southern charm and rugged appeal. If you’re drawn to laid-back, down-to-earth vibes, these boy names with R might just be the perfect match for your little cowboy.
1. Ralston — English for “Ralph’s settlement.”
2. Randy — An English name meaning “shield wolf.”
3. Rawlings — This name means “son of Raul” in English.
4. Reggie — English for “counsel power.”
5. Reynolds — This name means “powerful counsel” in German.
6. Riff — This is the English word for a short musical phrase.
7. Rigby — An English name meaning “ridge farm.”
8. Riles — English for “rye hill.”
9. Rod — This name means “famous ruler” in English.”
10. Rodney — In English, this name means “island near the clearing.”
11. Roper — This is an English occupational name for a rope maker.
12. Rowdy — An English name meaning “loud” or “spirited.”
13. Rowley — English for “rough clearing.”
14. Roy — French for “king” and Celtic for “red-haired.”
15. Rusty — A French name meaning “redhead.”
16 Western Boy Names That Start With R
If you’re picturing wide-open skies, cowboy boots, and a bit of rugged charm, these Western-inspired R boy names could be just what you’re looking for. Rooted in nature, grit, and tradition, they feel adventurous without trying too hard.
1. Rafferty — An Irish name meaning “abundance” or “prosperity.”
2. Rancher — This is an English occupational name for someone who works on a ranch.
3. Ranger — French for “forest guardian.”
4. Reeves — This is an English occupational name for a bailiff.
5. Reno — Spanish for “dark-haired.”
6. Rhodes — A Greek name meaning “where roses grow.”
7. Rich — English for “old, wise ruler.”
8. Ridge — An English word for an elevated body part or structure.
9. Riggs — This name means “one who lives on the ridge” in English.
10. Rip — In Dutch, this name means “strength” or “might.”
11. Rooney — English and Gaelic for “descendant of the champion.”
12. Roscoe — This Norse name means “deer forest.”
13. Russ — French for “redhead.”
14. Rydell — A Swedish name meaning “of the woodland clearing.”
15. Rye — English for “cavalryman” or “messenger.”
16. Ryland — This name means “place where rye is grown” in Old English.
45 Unique Boy Names That Start With R
If you’re searching for something original and unforgettable, these unique boy names are packed with personality. From nature-inspired picks to unexpected global gems, these unique R names for boys are sure to stand out while still feeling meaningful.
1. Racer — An English name meaning “to race.”
2. Racham — Hebrew for “mercy” or “compassion.”
3. Radar — An English acronym for radio detection and ranging.
4. Radburn — This name means “reedy stream” in English.
5. Radley — English for “red meadow.”
6. Radovan — A Croatian name meaning “happy.”
7. Rahim — This Arabic name means “empathetic” or “merciful.”
8. Raine — A French name meaning “ruler.”
9. Raj — Arabic for “hope” and Sanskrit for “ruler.”
10. Ramesh — In Sanskrit, this name means “one who is the god of Rama, husband of Lakshmi.”
11. Rasalas — An Arabic name meaning “the northern star of the lion’s head.”
12. Rasmus — Finnish and Scandinavian for “beloved” or “desired.”
13. Raven — In English, this name means “wise.”
14. Reed — English for “red-haired.”
15. Regulus — In Latin, this name means “prince.”
16. Renatus — A Latin name meaning “reborn.”
17. Renji — Japanese for “second love.”
18. Renner — This name means “messenger” in English and “to run” in German.
19. Renon — French and Italian for “place and surname.” It’s derived from the name of a place in Italy.
20. Renzo — This Italian name means “from Laurentium.”
21. Revello — In Catalan, this name means “wild olive tree.”
22. Reyansh — This name means “ray of light” in Hindi.
23. Rhisiart — Welsh for “brave ruler.”
24. Rhythm — This name means “beat” or “flow” in Latin.
25. Riah — A Hebrew name meaning “the Lord has remembered.”
26. Ridley — English for “cleared wood.”
27. Riordan — This Irish name means “bard” or “royal poet.”
28. Rishi — This name means “sage” in Sanskrit.
29. Riven — In English, the name means “to split.”
30. Roark — An Irish name meaning “illustrious and mighty.”
31. Rocket — English for “jet-propelled tube.”
32. Rohmer — German for “pilgrim” or “fate.”
33. Rojo — In Spanish, this name means “red.”
34. Roko — This Croatian name means “rest.”
35. Rollo — Latin for “wolf.”
36. Ronin — This Irish name means “little seal.”
37. Ronson — This name means “son of Ronald” in Scottish.
38. Rooster — English for “roosting bird.”
39. Rosen — German for “rose” and Bulgarian for “burning bush.”
40. Roux — In French, this name means “russet.”
41. Ruger — A German name meaning “renowned spear.”
42. Ruskin — This Scottish name means “from a family of tanners.”
43. Ruslan — Slavic for “lion.”
44. Rustam — A Persian name meaning “tall” and “brave.”
45. Rza — An American name that means “ruler, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, Allah.” It was created by Rihanna for her son.
53 Rare Boy Names That Start with R
Some of the most special names are the ones you rarely hear. These rare boy names are rich in meaning, culturally diverse, and full of distinctive character. If you’re drawn to boy names with R that feel original and under-the-radar, this list might have just the name you’ve been looking for.
1. Raanan — A Hebrew name meaning “fresh” or “luxuriant.”
2. Rabi — Arabic for “gentle wind.”
3. Race — English for “compete.”
4. Radek — Czech for “happy” and Polish for “willing.”
5. Rader — This is a German occupational name for a wheelwright.
6. Radi — This name means “adviser” in English.
7. Radimir — Russian for “famously happy.”
8. Raed — An English name meaning “red-haired.”
9. Rafa — An Arabic name meaning “happiness” and “prosperity.”
10. Rafif — This name means “glittering” or “gleaming” in Urdu.
11. Rafiq — This Arabic name means “friend” or “companion.”
12. Raghav — This name means “son of Raghu” in Sanskrit.
13. Rahem — Arabic for “compassionate.”
14. Rai — Japanese for “next child.”
15. Raidon — In Japanese, this name means “god of thunder.”
16. Rajah — Arabic for “hope” and Sanskrit for “ruler.”
17. Raleigh — This name means “deer meadow” in English.
18. Rama — This name means “lofty” in Sanskrit.
19. Ramiro — Portuguese for “great judge.”
20. Ramy — This name means “archer” in Arabic and “pleasing” in Sanskrit.
21. Ramzi — In English, this name means “low-lying land.”
22. Rana — The meaning of this name is “king” in Sanskrit.
23. Rand — English for “living on a riverbank.”
24. Rani — A Hebrew name meaning “my song” or “my joy.”
25. Rashan — This name means “one who has a good sense of judgment” in Pahlavi.
26. Ravine — English for “chasm” or “gulley.”
27. Raylen — This name means “counselor” in French and “protecting hands” in English.
28. Rea — This Greek name means “a flowing stream.”
29. Remo — This is an Italian occupational name for an oarsman.
30. Renz — This name means “from Laurentium” in Italian.
31. Rexton — English for “king’s town.”
32. Rhema — A Greek name meaning “that which is spoken.”
33. Rian — Irish for “little king.”
34. Rida — This name means “devoted to God” and has Portuguese and Arabic roots.
35. Ridwan — An Arabic name meaning “satisfied.”
36. Rieker — German for “powerful army.”
37. Riel — Hebrew for “God is my strength.”
38. Rigel — An Arabic name meaning “foot.”
39. Riki — German for “dominant ruler.”
40. Rilan — The meaning of this name is “from the Rye land” in English.
41. Rivaldo — In Portuguese, this name means “river.”
42. Rivan — This name means “horse rider” in Hindi.
43. Roar — Spanish for “famous spearman.”
44. Roby — This name means “bright fame” in English.
45. Rocklin — This name means “rock meadow” in English.
46. Roel — German for “famous throughout the land.”
47. Roi — French for “king” or Celtic for “red-haired.”
48. Romin — In Hindi, this name means “arrow fish.”
49. Ronell — An English name meaning “circle.”
50. Roni — This name means “my song” or “my joy” in Hebrew.
51. Rosh — The meaning of this name is “chief” in Hebrew.
52. Ryley — An Irish name meaning “courageous.”
53. Ryver — Latin for “stream of water.”
There are many things to plan for and plenty of lists to make in preparation for your new baby boy, but try not to let baby naming add stress to the joy of becoming parents. If you’re considering boy names that start with R, we hope this list gave you some helpful ideas. Whether you’re drawn to timeless picks or trendy R boy names, jot down your favorites—you’re bound to find the perfect fit.
Still searching? Take a look at some of our other baby name lists, like short boy names, badass boy names, preppy names, and classic baby names. Or visit our baby names hub for even more ideas.
