Are Old English baby names still used today?

Many Old English baby names remain used today and have retained a classic charm. For instance, the masculine name Alfred has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names in the US since 1960 (1). Besides, the feminine name Hailey has been popular for a few decades and has improved its ranking since 1996 to be among the top 100 names in the US, till present (1). Thus, these examples show that Old English baby names continue to find favor among families seeking meaningful options for their children.

How do I choose the right Old English name for my baby?

Choosing the right Old English name for your baby involves a combination of personal preference, meaning, and cultural significance. Start by researching the meanings of various Old English names. Understanding what a name means can help you choose one that resonates with your values or aspirations for your child. Ensure the name is easy to pronounce and spell for your child and others. Ensure the chosen name pairs well with your surname. Also, consider the cultural and historical context of the name. Ultimately, whether it’s the sound, the meaning, or a particular association, your personal preference is paramount.

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69 Old English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Robert	Boy	Bright fame; Shining glory; Bright in counsel
Rylee	Girl	Rye clearing
Riley	Boy	Clearing of rye; Valiant
Rylan	Boy	A meadow on an island; Little king
Rylie	Girl	Courageous; Rye clearing
Roberto	Boy	Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory
Ridge	Boy	A person who lived near a ridge; A continuous elevated mountain crest; Back or spine
Ryland	Boy	Land of rye
Rodney	Boy	Roda's island; Island near the clearing
Rhodes	Boy	A clearing in the woods

Rilynn	Girl	A brave heart of a woman; Courageous; Beautiful little queen; Rye clearing
Rylen	Boy	Rye clearing
Rhylee	Girl	Rye clearing; One who dwells near the field of rye
Ripley	Boy	Strip of clearing in the woods
Rilee	Girl	Rye clearing
Rhyder	Unisex	Messenger; Mounted warrior
Robbie	Boy	Shining glory; Bright fame; Bright in counsel
Rilyn	Unisex	Rye land
Rylo	Unisex	Wood; Clearing; Meadow
Rileigh	Girl	Courageous; Rye clearing

Rylin	Boy	Flexible; Brave; Rye clearing
Ryley	Boy	Rye clearing
Ruston	Boy	Red-haired; Fox-colored; Rush estate; Roof wood; Brushwood estate; Hringstan's hill
Roper	Boy	Rope; Rope maker
Rider	Boy	Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
Rylann	Unisex	Rye land
Raena	Girl	Queen; Rain; Happy; Willing
Rowena	Girl	Peaceful; White spear; Famous friend; Fame and happiness
Rylyn	Unisex	Rye land
Ryle	Unisex	Rye hill; Roe deer hill; Descendant of Raghall

Riddick	Boy	A person from Rerwick; Outlying settlement; Oak boundary
Raydon	Boy	One who was born to counsel; Sunshine; Protecting hands; Thunder
Rynlee	Unisex	Warrior; Edge; Field; Clearing
Rudyard	Boy	Red yard
Roswell	Boy	Horse spring
Rylon	Unisex	Rye field
Reve	Boy	A man who is like a dream; Sheriff
Roch	Boy	Crow; Rook; Rough; River opposite of the wood
Rob	Boy	Bright fame; Bright glory; Bright in counsel
Rhye	Unisex	At the island; At the river; A rye farmer or merchant

Roberts	Boy	Son of Robert; Bright fame; Bright in counsel
Rigley	Unisex	Reed clearing
Royston	Boy	Town of Royse; Rose; Vigorous; Estate
Ravina	Unisex	Sunflower; Sun; Raven
Rushton	Unisex	Rush estate; Rush farmstead
Rowenna	Girl	Fame; Joy; Spear; White
Rhenn	Unisex	A small songbird; Lotus; Romantic love
Rennie	Boy	One who will rise again; Peace; Brave ruler
Renwick	Boy	A habitational name for someone from the Raven village; Outlying settlement
Rody	Boy	Famous ruler; Hroda's island; Renown

Robb	Boy	Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory
Redden	Unisex	Clearing or cleared woodland; Ravens' valley; Someone who lived in or near a patch of cleared woodland
Raines	Boy	From Rayne or Rennes; Shelter
Rilo	Unisex	Rye clearing
Raen	Girl	Queen; Rain; Happy; Willing
Riverlee	Unisex	Someone who lives near a river; Riverbank; A flowing body of water; Clearing
Romilly	Girl	Of Rome; Woodland; Clearing
Ridgley	Boy	Ridge meadow
Rhine	Girl	River Rhine; That flows; To move
Raveen	Boy	Sunshine; Raven

Raven	Unisex	A black bird; Dark-haired; Wise
Reading	Boy	People of Read
Reaves	Boy	Prefect; Local official; Sheriff
Revon	Unisex	Raven; A bird
Reyn	Unisex	Rain; Advise; Counsel
Rickon	Boy	Little king
Ried	Boy	Red-haired
Ream	Unisex	One who shouts
Razor	Unisex	A sharp-edged tool used for removing hair by shaving

Infographic: Notable Old English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R

Choosing the right name for your child requires careful consideration of several factors. Selecting a name that aligns with your child's personality and cultural background could be tricky with the myriad of themes available. If you are looking for noteworthy Old English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R, this infographic offers a curated list to help you find the perfect name for your little one.

Old English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R(infographic)

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.