Baby Names Starting With R
R is the 8th most common starting letter for baby names in the US — 4.4% of babies given a top-1,000 name have one. Riley and Roman lead the way.
How popular is the letter R?
Measured across every name in the 2025 SSA top 1,000 lists.
R names rising fastest
Already in the top 1,000 and still climbing — the R names gaining ground.
Where R names come from
Origins of the R names in the top 1,000. English leads with 43.
All baby names starting with R
1,962 names found
Ra
Sun
Raad
Thunder
Raaga
Melody, musical color, or passion
Raaghav
Descendant of Raghu; an epithet of Lord Rama
Raahi
Traveler or wayfarer
Raahil
Traveler, guide, or pathfinder
Raahim
Compassionate, merciful, or kind
Raam
Pleasing, charming, or supreme
Raavi
Sun or river
Raaya
Friend, companion, or saturated with drink
Raayan
Gates of Heaven; lush, luxuriant, or watered
Rabab
White cloud; stringed instrument
Rabecca
To tie, bind, or join together
Rabia
Springtime, breeze, or fourth
Race
Swift or rapid; a contest of speed
Racer
One who competes in a contest of speed
Rachael
Ewe; female sheep
Rachal
Ewe; female sheep
Rachana
Creation, arrangement, or composition
Rachard
Strong ruler or brave power
Baby names starting with R: common questions
What is the most popular baby name starting with R?
Riley is the most popular girls' name starting with R (#48 in the US), and Roman is the most popular boys' name (#42), based on 2025 Social Security Administration data.
How common are baby names starting with R?
R is the 8th most common starting letter for baby names in the US. 114,008 babies — 4.4% of those given a top-1,000 name in 2025 — received a name beginning with R, across 103 different names.
Which R names are getting more popular?
Rory, Rosemary, Rosie, Romeo, Raya are all in the top 1,000 and climbing in national popularity.
Where do R baby names come from?
Among R names in the top 1,000, the most common origins are English (43 names), Germanic (26 names), Latin (25 names).