What are the most popular English names?

Some popular English names are Henry, meaning ‘house ruler,’ Benjamin, meaning ‘son of the south,’ Jack, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ and Daniel, meaning ‘God is my judge’ are some of the popular English names (2).

What are some English boy names that have religious significance?

Some English boy names with religious significance are Lucas, meaning ‘bringer of light,’ Stephen, meaning ‘crown’ or ‘reward,’ and Gomer, meaning ‘famous battle.’

What are some English boy names associated with the British monarchy?

Some of the English boy names that are associated with the British monarchy include Charles, meaning ‘free man,’ is the name of the Prince of Wales, Louis meaning ‘renowned warrior,’ it is the anime of the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; and Philip, meaning ‘horse lover,’ is the name of the Duke of Edinburgh.

What are some popular nicknames for English boy’s names?

Some popular nicknames are Billy, Charlie, Jake, Joe and Will. These nicknames are among the US top 1000 nicknames for boys and hence are popular (3).

How can I choose the right English boy name for my child?

You may choose the right name by deciding on the kind of name you want, either modern or traditional. Then you may research the meaning of the name, its history, culture, how the name sounds, whether or not it aligns with your values, and how the name is viewed in society. For example, some common English boy names with decent meanings are Harley, meaning ‘hare’s meadow,’ Dean, meaning ‘valley,’ and Miles, meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful.’

Home • Baby Names

564 Remarkable English Boy Names Starting With R

Pick an R-letter name for your rising star from the land of the royals.

Written by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Edited by Rohit Garoo, BSc, MBA Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Mishra, MSc Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. She has worked on a research project, “In silico ligand designing exhibiting anti-diabetic activity derived from responsible phytochemicals of selected herbs.

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Last Updated on Aug 19, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Does the sound of English names such as Ronald, Raymond, Robert, and Richard intrigue you? This is because these English boy names starting with R are pronounced with a strong, rolling, or rhotic sound. This means the 'R' is pronounced clearly at the end of words and before consonants. For instance, in the name Robert, the 'R' is pronounced at the beginning and after the 'e.'

The English naming conventions have evolved over centuries. Traditionally, parents often followed the tradition of naming their children after respected individuals. This could include influential figures like wealthy landowners or royalty, such as naming sons Richard after King Richard, the Lionheart. Most commonly, though, names were chosen to honor the child's grandparents or parents of the same gender. For instance, the first son was named after the paternal grandfather, and the first daughter was named after the maternal grandmother. Such customs assured that family names were carried down through generations, establishing a sense of continuity and respect for past generations.

Many English boy names, such as Reagan (little king), Rodney (an island near the clearing), and Roosevelt (rose field), stem from surnames and have become quite popular in the United States. Parents also love English word names like Read (red) and Royal (a ruler). English names such as Rocky (rest), Rusty (redheaded), Randal (wolf shield), and Riley (valiant) have gained massive popularity and are among the top 1000 names in the United States (1). Explore our handpicked list of English names that start with the letter R to find more such names that roll off your tongue.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ryder	Boy	Mounted warrior; Knight; Messenger
Rhett	Boy	Advice; Counsel; Ardent; Fiery
Ryker	Boy	Rich; Wealthy; Ruler
Richard	Boy	Brave ruler; Mighty king; Firm ruler
Ronan	Boy	Little seal; A pledge; An oath
Reid	Boy	Red-haired
Raymond	Boy	Counseling protector; Advice; Decision
Russell	Boy	A little red one; Red-haired
Reed	Boy	The one with red hair or complexion
Ronin	Boy	Little seal; Masterless samurai; Anaconda

Raphael	Boy	God heals
Roy	Boy	King; Red
Ridge	Boy	A person who lived near a ridge; A continuous elevated mountain crest; Back or spine
Ronald	Boy	Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
Raylan	Boy	Counselor; Beam of light; Rye land
Roland	Boy	Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land
Roger	Boy	Famous spear
Rex	Boy	King
Rayden	Boy	Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector; Little fire; Thunder
Rey	Boy	King; Female roe deer

Ricky	Boy	Brave ruler; Famous ruler; Peaceful ruler; Ruler of the people; Home ruler; Nobleman
Riggs	Boy	A person living on the ridge
Rudy	Boy	Famous wolf
Ray	Boy	Wise; Counsel; Decision; Beam of light
Reuben	Boy	Behold a son
Rodney	Boy	Roda's island; Island near the clearing
Reginald	Boy	Advice; Counsel; Authority
Rowdy	Boy	Boisterous; Rambunctious
Ralph	Boy	Wolf counsel
Reagan	Boy	Little king

Rogan	Boy	Son of Ruadhagáin; Red
Reyansh	Boy	First ray of the morning sun; Part of a stream; A name of Lord Vishnu
Ross	Boy	Peninsula; Headland; Upland; Horse
Rylen	Boy	Rye clearing
Ramsey	Boy	Garlic Island
Ranger	Boy	Forest guardian; Ward of the forest; To arrange or dispose; Curved; Army
Ransom	Boy	Sum paid in exchange for the release of something or someone; Deliverance; Rescue
Roderick	Boy	Famous ruler
Reggie	Boy	Powerful advisor; Wise ruler
Rockwell	Boy	A person from Rockwell; Wood or well frequented by rooks

Rafe	Boy	Council of the wolf; Wise wolf; God heals
Riggins	Unisex	Son of Riagan; Little king
Ryden	Boy	Horseman; Woodland clearing; From the rye hill
Riker	Boy	Brave ruler
Romello	Boy	Of Rome
Roscoe	Boy	Forest of the roebuck; Deer forest; Doe wood
Rickey	Boy	Brave ruler
Rayne	Boy	Queen; Advice; Counsel
Richie	Boy	Brave ruler
Raylon	Boy	Counselor; Mighty; Advisor

Rashawn	Boy	God is gracious
Rexton	Boy	King
Robinson	Boy	Son of Robin; Bright fame
Rick	Boy	Brave ruler; Stack of hay or straw
Rakeem	Boy	Kind; Compassionate
Rusty	Boy	Red-haired
Rayshawn	Boy	Beam of light; Counsel; Protection; God is gracious
Reeve	Boy	Sheriff; Prefect; Local official
Reuven	Boy	One who sees the son; Behold, a son
Rylin	Boy	Flexible; Brave; Rye clearing

Riggin	Boy	Little king; Impulsive
Ruston	Boy	Red-haired; Fox-colored; Rush estate; Roof wood; Brushwood estate; Hringstan's hill
Rayland	Boy	Famous land
Roosevelt	Boy	Rose field
Roper	Boy	Rope; Rope maker
Raymon	Boy	Wise protector
Rich	Boy	Brave ruler; Brave king
Ramy	Boy	Archer; Shooter; Thrower; Counsel's protection; High father
Raider	Unisex	From the village Rait; Taking control; Attacker of enemies
Renner	Boy	To run; A messenger

Rodrick	Boy	Famous ruler
Rudolph	Boy	Famous wolf
Richmond	Boy	Rich hill; Strong mountain
Rickie	Boy	Brave ruler
Rider	Boy	Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
Ritchie	Boy	Brave ruler
Rayvon	Boy	Ray of hope
Roark	Boy	Red hero; Red champion
Rupert	Boy	Bright fame; Glory
Ryler	Unisex	Mighty; Strong; Courageous

Rainn	Girl	Rain; Shower
Reeves	Boy	Local official; Prefect; Sheriff
Rueben	Boy	Behold, a son
Reymundo	Boy	Well-advised protector; Guards Wisely
Rollin	Boy	Renowned land; Famous throughout the land
Rowland	Boy	Fame; Land; Brave
Rufus	Boy	Red haired; Tawny
Russel	Boy	A little red one
Rigel	Boy	Foot
Rolland	Boy	Famous land

Rayce	Boy	Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector
Rigby	Boy	Ridge farm; Farmstead village
Robby	Boy	Bright fame
Randal	Boy	Shield rim; Wolf
Rexford	Boy	King's ford; King's crossing
Ryken	Boy	Brave or powerful ruler
Rayson	Unisex	Son of Ray; Reason; Intelligence
Rafferty	Boy	Flood tide; Prosperity wielder
Randolph	Boy	Strong Defender; Son of the Shield; Wolf on shield rim
Rashard	Boy	Powerful ruler; Brave ruler; Good sense; Good guidance

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English boy names starting with R are a fascinating combination of historical significance, royal connections, and word names. These names have not only lasted the test of time but have also changed to reflect current tastes. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of Richard and Robert or the trendy appeal of short names Ryder and Reed, these names offer a plethora of choices for parents looking for a meaningful and classic name for their sons.

Infographic: Trendy English Boy Names Starting with R

The letter R carries a regal charm associated with valiant kings and rising stars. Whether you’re drawn to classic names with royal roots or modern choices with a modern edge, English boy names starting with R offer versatile options. Explore this infographic to discover the ideal name for your little rockstar that complements your style and family heritage.

english boy names starting with r (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Social Security Administration.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.