Baby Boy Names That Begin With R

Popular and Unusual Male Name Choices

Mar 18, 2008

A Cute Little Boy, Nasir Khan, Morguefile.com

Riley? Roberto? Roman? Rex? Here's a selection of common and uncommon baby boy names that start with the letter R.

Looking for a baby boy name that begins with the letter R? Throughout the twentieth century, R boy's names were very common, especially the wildly popular favorites Robert and Richard. According to the U.S. Social Security Baby Name Index, these days parents are favoring more modern choices such as Ryan and Riley.

Here are some popular and unusual names for little boys that begin with the letter R.

Popular & Trendy Baby Boy Names That Start With R

Ryan. Ryan suddenly became popular in the mid-1970s, perhaps as a spin-off of trendy Brian. In 2006, Ryan ranked at #14 and seems to be holding steady. Ryan comes from a Gaelic name that means "king." The name is sometimes used for little girls as well.
Robert. During the twentieth century, Robert was one of the most popular American names. In fact, Robert was on the top 10 between 1888 and 1989! It was the #1 name between 1924 and 1939. These days, Robert has finally sunk to #47, and he's falling. During the Baby Boom, when nicknames were the norm, it was also common to use Bobby or Bob as a stand-alone name. Robert comes from a Germanic name that means "shining with fame." The Spanish version, Roberto, is moderately popular.
Richard. Like Robert, Richard was a huge name in the twentieth century that's finally showing signs of falling from favor. Richard was in the top 10 between 1920 and 1970, and fell off the top 10 about the same time that Richard Nixon resigned from office in shame. Today, Richard is down to #99, and falling. Richard comes from a German name that means "powerful leader." The Spanish version, Ricardo, was ranked at #152 in 2006.
Riley. Riley has become wildly trendy for girls, but also is a popular boy's name. It ranked at #101 in 2006. Riley comes from an Old English name that means "rye clearing." Similar trendy names are Ryder and Rylan.
Raymond. Everyone may love him, but the fate of this previously popular name is the same as Robert and Richard-- down the charts and falling. In 2006, Raymond had fallen all the way to #194. Raymond comes from a German name that means "protective hands."
Ronald. Ranked at #251 in 2006, this previously common name hardly even counts as popular anymore. Ronald comes from an Old Norse name that means "ruler's council.'
Roman. This legendary place name was only ranked at #209 in 2006, but it's climbing steadily up the charts and looks like a trendy name waiting to happen.

Unusual Baby Boy Names That Start With R

Ross. Despite the popularity of Friends, this simple and strong name has never really caught on-- so snatch it up. Ross comes from a Gaelic expression that means "cape."
Roger. Trendy during the Baby Boom, Roger is hardly used anymore. Roger comes from a Germanic name that means "ancient spear."
Raphael/Rafael. Although commonly used in Spanish cultures, this is actually a Hebrew name, which means "healing God."
Rocco. Since Madonna gave her son this name, Rocco has slowly been climbing its way out of name obscurity. Rocco comes from a Germanic name that means "rest."
Ruben/Reuben. More than just a great deli sandwich or a large American Idol winner known for stealing the title from Clay, Ruben is a Hebrew name that means "behold, a son."
Roy & Randy. Somewhat popular during the Baby Boom, these cowboy names are riding off into the sunset. Roy comes from a Gaelic name that means "red." Randy comes from a German name that means "shield."
River. Unique and stylish, or garishly hippie? You decide.
Raul, Ramon, & Rodrigo. If you're looking for a less common Spanish name, these ones aren't widely used in the United States. Raul comes from a Germanic name that means "crafty counselor." Ramon is a form of Raymond. Rodrigo comes from a Germanic name that means "ancient power."
Reese, Reece, & Rhys. These names are popular in Great Britain, especially Rhys (which is pronounced like the other two spellings), but the name hasn't caught on much here. The names come from a Welsh expression that means "enthusiasm."
Rex. A great name for a little boy, or just a dog's name? Rex is Latin for "king."
Russell, Rodney, & Rudolph. Are these old-fashioned names just too far out of style to use today? Maybe, although Russ and Rudy may make good alternatives. Russell is French for "little red." Rodney is a Germanic place name. Rudolph is a Germanic name that means "famed wolf."
Reginald. Here's another name that was somewhat popular in the Baby Boom that's not widely used anymore. Reginald comes from a Latin name that means "ruler's advisor."
Rashad. This Arabic name has found some popularity among African Americans. It means "good judgment."