AHEAD: The ultimate list of R Girl Names… and which could go viral this year.

If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with R, you’re in the right place!

Below, I’ve rounded up every R name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.

Below you’ll find over 70 names, their meanings, and current popularities.

You’ll also find a shortlist of R names poised to go viral in 2025.

Related: Boy Names that Start with R

“R” names trending in 2025

These girls’ names starting with R are climbing the charts right now, each making significant gains since last year.

Raquel

• Name meaning: Innocent.
• Popularity: #905 (↑103)

Raven

• Name meaning: Blackbird.
• Popularity: #361 (↑49)

Rhea or Raya 🔥

• Name meaning: To flow.
• Popularity: Rhea ranks #526 (↑74) and Raya ranks #353 (↑48).

Rayna or Reyna

• Name meaning: Queen.
• Popularity: Rayna ranks #717 (↑47), Reyna ranks #643 (↑12), Reina ranks #643, and Raina ranks #925 (↑8).

Regina

• Name meaning: Queen.
• Popularity: #328 (↑21)

Renata

• Name meaning: Reborn.
• Popularity: #473 (↑19)

Rivka

• Name meaning:
• Popularity: #740 (↑59)

Robin

• Name meaning: Bright and shining.
• Popularity: Ranks #793 (↑67) for girls and #783 for boys.

Romina

• Name meaning: Roman. Pomegranate.
• Popularity: #627 (↑35)

Rory 🔥

• Name meaning: Red king.
• Popularity: This R name ranks #305 (↑30) for girls and #242 for boys.

Rosalia

• Name meaning: Rose.
• Popularity: #578 (↑19)

Rosalina

• Name meaning:
• Popularity: #868 (↑57)

Rosemary

• Name meaning: An aromatic shrub.
• Popularity: #311 (↑54)

Rosie 🔥

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: #392 (↑32)

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Rowan

• Name meaning: Reddish-brown tree.
• Popularity: This R name ranks #233 (↑44) for girls and #76 for boys.

Ruthie

• Name meaning:
• Popularity: #920 (↑93)

More on 2025 viral predictions in just a bit.

Popular girl names that start with R

These girl names starting with R are ranked in the top 1000.

Raelynn or Raelyn

• Name meaning: Invented name. (Female sheep + lake).
• Popularity: Raelynn ranks #111 and Raelyn ranks #395.

Reagan or Raegan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: Reagan ranks #168 and Raegan ranks #418.

Rosalie

• Name meaning: Rose.
• Popularity: Rosalie ranks #182 and Rosalee isn’t ranking.

Rose or Rosa

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: Rose ranks #124, Rosie ranks #392, and Rosa ranks #668.

Roselyn

• Name meaning: Beautiful rose.
• Popularity: #926

River

• Name meaning: Stream of water.
• Popularity: This water name ranks #193 for girls and #116 for boys.

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Ruby

• Name meaning: Strong red gemstone.
• Popularity: #66

Ruth

• Name meaning: Friend.
• Popularity: #187

Short and unique girl names that start with R

These R names are short, sweet, and a little different!

Ren

• Name meaning: Water lily.
• Popularity: Ren isn’t ranking. Wren ranks #196.

Reva

• Name meaning: Rain.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name isn’t ranking.

Rey or Rae

• Name meaning: King. Female sheep.
• Popularity: Neither of these ranks for girls. For boys, Ray ranks #769 and Rey ranks #794.

Ria

• Name meaning: Small river.
• Popularity: This 3-letter girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Romy

• Name meaning: Dew of the sea.
• Popularity: This cute mermaid name isn’t ranking.

Roux or Rue

• Name meaning: Reddish brown.
• Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with R is ranked.

Roxy

• Name meaning: Dawn.
• Popularity: This 2-syllable R name isn’t ranking.

If you like these short girl names that start with R you’ll like these one-syllable names.

Gender-neutral names that start with R

These nonbinary names starting with the letter R would work for a boy or a girl.

Rayne or Raine

• Name meaning: Precipitation.
• Popularity: Rayne ranks #357 and Raine isn’t ranking. Neither ranks for boys.

Reese

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: Reese ranks #174 for girls and #630 for boys.

Related: Middle Names for Reese

Reign

• Name meaning: Rule or sovereign.
• Popularity: This regal name ranks #414 for girls and #624 for boys.

Remi or Remy

• Name meaning: Oarsman.
• Popularity: Remi ranks #127 and Remy ranks #641 for girls. For boys, Remi ranks #822 and Remy ranks #390.

Remington

• Name meaning: Raven.
• Popularity: This R name ranks #419 for girls and #283 for boys.

Rhett

• Name meaning: Advice.
• Popularity: This R name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #165 for boys.

Riley or Rylee or Ryleigh or Rylie

• Name meaning: Wood clearing.
• Popularity: Riley ranks #43, Rylee ranks #117, Ryleigh ranks #260, and Rylie ranks #554. For boys, Riley ranks #223.

Ryan or Ryann or Rian

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: For girls, Ryan ranks #677, and Ryann and Rian aren’t ranking. For boys, Ryan ranks #83.

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horsewoman.
• Popularity: This R name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #129 for boys.

Rylan

• Name meaning: Island meadow.
• Popularity: This 5-letter name isn’t ranking for girls and ranks #376 for boys.

Unique girl names that start with R

These baby names starting with R are uncommon without being too far out there.

Rayleigh

• Name meaning: Scattering of light.
• Popularity: This great rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.

Rebel

• Name meaning: Maverick.
• Popularity: This edgy name isn’t ranking.

Reverie

• Name meaning: Daydream.
• Popularity: This hippie name isn’t ranking.

Rhianna or Rianna

• Name meaning: Great queen.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this 3-syllable name is ranking.

Rhiannon

• Name meaning: Divine queen.
• Popularity: This R name isn’t ranking.

Rielle

• Name meaning: God is my strength.
• Popularity: This modern R name isn’t ranking.

Ripley

• Name meaning: Clearing in the woods.
• Popularity: This R name isn’t ranking.

If you like these unique girl names beginning with R you’ll like these badass girl names.

R girl names that are past their prime

Most of these R names peaked in popularity in previous decades and, while definitely still usable, may feel less fresh than other options.

👉🏼 Jump ahead to 2025 viral predictions if you wish.

Rachel

• Name meaning: Female sheep.
• Popularity: #255

Rebecca or Rebekah

• Name meaning: To tie or bind.
• Popularity: Rebecca #317 an Rebekah isn’t ranking.

Ramona

• Name meaning: Wisely protecting.
• Popularity: #795

Roselyn or Rosalyn

• Name meaning: Gentle horse. Rose lake.
• Popularity: Roselyn ranks #926 and Rosalyn isn’t ranking.

Royalty

• Name meaning: Having the status of a king or queen or a member of their family.
• Popularity: #562

Here are a few more R names that aren’t ranking:

Will any girl names that start with R go viral in 2025?

Yes, I believe so!

There are three stand-out names poised for dramatic growth this year.

 Rosie

Rosie is experiencing a dramatic renaissance, rocketing 471 spots up the charts in just a decade – from #863 in 2013 to #392 in 2023.

The R name’s momentum is particularly striking in recent years, with consistent gains averaging 32-33 spots annually since 2021, suggesting its upward trajectory is far from over.

Rosie is following the wildly successful pattern of vintage nicknames becoming standalone hits – similar to Sadie (#59) and Millie (#102).

The name’s international popularity hints at untapped potential in the US – it ranks significantly higher in England (#21), Scotland (#17), and Ireland (#55).

Recent celebrity adoption by Twenty One Pilots frontman Tyler Joseph has given the name fresh cultural currency.

The -ie ending perfectly aligns with current trends seen in rising names like Sophie, Indie, and Goldie.

Raya

After first appearing in the U.S. top 1000 in 2020 at #932, Raya has skyrocketed 579 positions to #353 in just three years.

This meteoric rise includes a 48-spot jump between 2022-2023 alone, showing the momentum is still building.

Its 2021 Disney Princess connection gained official Disney Princess status in August 2022, and Disney Princess names historically show sustained growth for several years after their introduction.

Its ranking position (#353) is ideal for viral growth – established enough to be familiar but with plenty of room to climb.

The name offers appealing pronunciation options (“RYE-uh” or “RAY-uh”), making it accessible across cultures.

Rory

The traditionally male Scottish name Rory is experiencing a remarkable transformation for girls, jumping from #335 to #305 in 2023 – its highest ranking ever for girls.

The R name has climbed 378 positions since 2013, with the pace of growth accelerating in recent years.

Fresh visibility came in 2024 when former Bachelor Nick Viall and Natalie Joy chose it for one of their twin daughters.

The name hit a milestone in 2023 with over 1,000 baby girls receiving the name – representing its highest usage ever for girls.

Nicknames for girls’ names that start with R

These are great if you love long names but want a shorter R-starting nickname.

👉🏼 Jump ahead to middle name ideas if you wish.

Ray or Rae

Short for: Rachel, Raelyn, Raelynn, Raven

Remy

Short for: Remington

Ria

Short for: Rosaria, Regina, Rhianna, Rosaria

Rosie

Short for: Rosalie, Rosemary, Rosamund, Rosalind, Rosetta

Roxy

Short for: Roxanne, Roxanna, Roxana

Middle name ideas for first names starting with R

Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name that starts with R.

More baby names for girls

• 200 Exotic Girl Names that are Truly Stunning
• 60 Gorgeous Girl’s Names that Mean Graceful
• 100 Greek Girl Names for Modern American Babies
• Girl Names Sorted By Syllable (2025 Edition with 500+ Names)

The Rise of Girl Names Starting with R

Girl names that start with R are experiencing an interesting evolution, with 47 options currently ranked in the top 1000.

What’s particularly striking is that 19 of these R names are in active growth phases – an unusually high percentage showing upward momentum.

The most dramatic success story among girl names that start with R is Raelynn, which has skyrocketed to #111. This name exemplifies two major trends in girl names that start with R: the “lynn” suffix and the “Rae” prefix.

Nature-themed R names are showing particular strength. River (#193) has emerged as a powerful contender in the nature name category, while Rose (#124), Rosalie (#182), and Rowan (#233) continue steady climbs.

Vintage R names are making a remarkable comeback. Ruby (#66) leads this category, while Rosie (#392) shows viral potential with consistent year-over-year gains.

The “Rey” sound is proving particularly magnetic in girl names that start with R, with variations like Raya (#353), Reya (#952), and Reyna (#569) all showing upward momentum.

Another notable pattern is the rise of traditionally masculine R names for girls. Rory (#305) exemplifies this trend, along with Ryan (#677), which continues to gain acceptance as a feminine choice.

Short, spunky R names are particularly successful, with Remi (#127) and Ruth (#187) showing strong performance.

Looking at the complete picture, R names occupy every style category – from traditional (Rachel, Rebecca) to modern (Reign, Royalty), suggesting the letter R has universal appeal in contemporary naming.

With three R names showing viral potential (Rosie, Raya, and Rory) and 19 in growth phases, girl names that start with R appear to be entering a golden age of popularity.

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Oct 31, 2021 and was updated on Jan 3, 2025.

Baby Girl Names that Start with R