Baby Names
From Romeo and Rylan to Ross and Raul.
Whether you are close to bringing your new baby boy into the world or are just planning for the future, choosing your son’s name is exciting. And these baby boy names that start with “R” should definitely be in the running.
When you name your baby, you want to go for something that’s sentimental and also defines how they will impact the world around them. And there are definitely some “R” names that will bridge that gap. Whether you want an “R” name to match someone in the family or just like how it sounds paired with your last name, it’s a fun way to get a list going of potential baby boy names.
Initially, when you think of “R” boy names, you might get stuck on longtime forerunners like Robert, Ryan, or Richard. But that’s one reason why this list of “R” baby boy names comes in handy. Laid out here are a lot more options you may not initially consider. The “R” name family goes deep, and many of them have a unique ring to them. They include names that are playful, unconventional, and intriguing. (And, surprisingly, there are a lot of meanings related to wolves.)
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, don’t feel pushed to make a decision right away. Say it a few times, call the name in the house to see how it feels, or even email your family to see what they think. Have fun with it and choose what feels right.
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Reign
Fitting right in with a Royal theme, the “R” baby boy name Reign sounds both regal and earthly at the same time. While it’s gender-neutral, the meanings differ from boy to girl. For your son, it means “little king.”
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Rio
Rio is not just a place where the Blue Macaw dance. It’s also a Spanish name for a boy that means “river.” It may be outside of typical “R” names, but that’s what makes it a great choice.
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Ronaldo
Ronaldo means “powerful counsel” in English or German. And for a baby that has an old soul and wise eyes, it’ll fit perfectly. Plus, Ronnie or Ron make for cute nicknames.
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Ross
Ross is an “R” baby boy name that can work easily as a first or middle name. If Friends is one of your favorite shows, you may be keen on choosing this one. It’s English and Scottish and means “upland, peninsula.”
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Rico
Rico comes from the Spanish language and means “dominant ruler.” Interestingly, all the Ricos I’ve known have had big personalities. If you already suspect that your boy will take charge, definitely consider Rico.
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Rashad
Rashad is a friendly “R” name that pairs great with middle names like Ross or Reign. It’s Arabic and means “having good judgment,” which is what everyone hopes a baby boy grows up with.
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Rocky
If you had a soft heart for Rocky, the lovable underdog boxer who won’t give up, then you’ll want to put this “R” baby boy name on your list. It has English and Italian roots and means “rock or rest.”
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Reginald
This “R” name has held popularity in the U.S. for a while now. The baby boy name Reginald is English and means “counsel power.” There are a couple of nicknames you can use for it, like Reggie or Reg. Toss them around and see how they feel.
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Rudy
The movie Rudy brought the baby boy name Rudy to the forefront in a way it hadn’t previously been. It’s a gender-neutral German name that means “famous wolf.”
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Raheem
Raheem is a strong Arabic name. The unique sound garners attention, making your baby boy one to watch. It means “empathetic, merciful.”
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Ray
Ray is often used as a nickname, but the simplicity of it is a sweet name choice for your baby boy. It means “wise protector.”
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Randy
Randy is actually a gender-neutral name that means “shield-wolf.” Surprisingly, there are a few of these “R” names that carry a wolf meaning, and Randy also has a very cute, boyish vibe.
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Raul
Raul is a Spanish name pronounced “rah-ool,” and means “wolf counsel.” This “R” baby boy’s name has varied in popularity over the years, but if you’re a lover of wolves, it’s one to consider.
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Rowan
Rowan is an often passed-over “R” name, but it has style and a distinct vibe for your baby boy. The gender-neutral name is Scottish and means “rowan tree, little red-head.”
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River
The first time I heard the name River, I fell in love with it. It has a mystique that just pulls you in. If you love nature, this is a beautiful choice for your baby boy.
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Reid
For a very long time, I’ve only known Reid as a surname. But the gender-neutral English name meaning “red-haired” has risen in popularity over the years. It’s a smart name that stands on its own, and is a great choice for an “R” baby boy name.
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Ryder
Ryder is a unique name that sits right outside the typical “R” boy names. It originated as a British surname and means “cavalryman, messenger.” This one feels perfect for your spunky boy.
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Robert
Robert Downey Jr. (aka Iron Man) gives this name an extra layer of cool. Robert, which is English for “bright fame,” is perfect for a baby who is bound to shine. And there are plenty of nicknames to choose from if he ever wants to use one.
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Ren
This sweet gender-neutral name of Ren is Japanese for “lotus.” Although it can sound dainty for a girl, it can be solid and strong for your baby boy. It also has a bit of a quirky vibe.
Don’t let the process of picking a name for your baby stress you out. Yes, it’s a big deal, but just wait for the perfect name to settle over your heart, and you’ll know you’ve found the Right one.
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