Girl Names That Start With R, Popular and Rare Picks
Currently popular R names for girls
- Riley (Irish, either a variant of the surname Reilly, whose exact meaning is not firmly established, or from an Old English surname meaning rye clearing; currently the most popular R name for girls)
- Reagan (Irish, meaning little king)
- Rory (traditionally read as meaning red king, historically more common for boys and now increasingly used for girls too)
Rare and distinctive R names for girls
- Rhiannon (Welsh, tied to a divine queen figure in Welsh mythology associated with horses, birds, and enchantment)
Quick facts
| Common origins | Irish, Old English, Welsh |
| Common meaning themes | royalty, mythology |
| Note | Riley’s exact etymology is genuinely debated between two different surname theories, rather than having one settled answer |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular girl’s name starting with R?
Riley currently tops the list of R names for girls in the US.
Is Rory more common for boys or girls now?
It has shifted meaningfully toward girls in recent years, despite its traditional “red king” meaning being gender neutral in origin.
Who was Rhiannon in mythology?
She is a divine queen figure in Welsh mythology, associated with horses, birds, and enchantment, and the name carries that mythological weight for parents who know the reference.
Related reading
Boy equivalent: boy names starting with R (in progress). Broader unique-names list: unique girl names.