Cat Names That Start With R

  1. Raivo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Raimond, Estonian
    • Meaning:

      "wise-protector; fury"
    • Description:

      A cool and accessible Estonian name that feels very fresh in the English-speaking world. Raivo is likely a short form of Raimond, the Estonian translation of Raymond, but some sources claim it derives from the Old Estonian word raivo, meaning "fury" or "rage."
  2. Rego
    • Origin:

      Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "ditch, channel"
    • Description:

      A surname that could become a first, an alternate to the already-taken REGIS.
  3. Rufina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
  4. Roamer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "wanderer, traveler"
    • Description:

      A variant of Romer or Rohmer, or simply derived from the English word "roam", meaning to travel freely, spontaneously, wherever your feet may take you.
  5. Razi
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Raziah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord's secret"
    • Description:

      Modern and dynamic Hebrew name that could work for either sex.
  6. Romary
    • Origin:

      French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "famously strong"
    • Description:

      Romy lovers, here's a new one for you! Romary is a surname with French and Scottish roots and has historically been a masculine given name in France. It would be a great choice on either sex, but feels slightly more feminine with the -mary ending and Romy nickname.
  7. Raziela
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord's secret"
    • Description:

      Most graceful of the Raz names, relates to Graziella.
  8. Rixa
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Richiza, Richenza, or Rikissa, German
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"
    • Description:

      A nickname for medieval names such as Richenza and Rikissa, which were derived from the Germanic name Richiza. RIxa could easily be adapted for modern use, particularly if you're looking to honor a Richard.
  9. Rembrandt
    • Origin:

      Dutch artist name
    • Description:

      The name of the most renowned of the Old Masters is a potential option for families who put an emphasis on the creative. Rembrandt Peale was a member of the Peale family of painters, all named for famous artists.
  10. Rodolfo
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "bold wolf"
    • Description:

      Romanticizes Rudolph and distances the name from the red-nosed reindeer. After remaining steadily in the US Top 500 for much of the twentieth century, Rodolfo has been slipping of late.
  11. Randi
    • Description:

      Randi as a masculine name has Scandinavian origins, derived from the Old Norse 'Randr' meaning 'shield' or 'rim of a shield.' In countries like Norway, it serves as a diminutive of Randolf or Randulf, compound names containing elements meaning 'shield' and 'wolf.' While Randi is predominantly feminine in the United States, it maintains masculine usage in Nordic countries. The name's popularity for boys peaked in the mid-20th century but has since declined. It features a straightforward pronunciation and friendly sound, with the '-i' ending giving it an approachable quality. Randi exemplifies the interesting phenomenon of gender-fluid names that carry different gender associations across cultures. For male bearers, it offers both strength in its meaning and the uniqueness of being less common for boys in many Western countries.

  12. Rondal
    • Description:

      Rondal is a masculine name that serves as a variation of Ronald, which derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'ruler's counselor' or 'mighty ruler.' This alternative spelling maintains the strong, decisive character of Ronald while offering a subtle distinction. The name has a firm, solid quality with its straightforward pronunciation. Rondal saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century when Ronald was at its peak popularity, particularly in southern regions. It carries associations with leadership, wisdom, and authority from its etymological roots. While less common than Ronald, Rondal offers parents a way to honor traditional naming patterns while providing a slightly unique twist that distinguishes their child.

  13. Reading
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the red-haired"
    • Description:

      Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.
  14. Rikissa
    • Origin:

      Swedish variation of Richiza, German
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"
    • Description:

      Rikissa is an old Swedish name famously borne by Rikissa Birgersdotter, Queen of Norway. Her name was derived from the Germanic Richiza, which is derived from the same source as Richard. That makes Rikissa an unexpected, quirky way to honor an important Richard in your life.
  15. Razili
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord's secret"
    • Description:

      Offbeat, under-the-radar choice to honor a Grandma Rosalie.
  16. Romary
    • Origin:

      French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "famously strong"
    • Description:

      Romary is most commonly seen as a surname, although it would make a charming first name for a boy or girl. It has French and Scottish origins — the French form is a variation of the given name Romaric and has also been adopted as a surname. The meaning of the Scottish surname is unknown.
  17. Raimond
    • Origin:

      Estonian variation of Raymond, German
    • Meaning:

      "wise-protector"
    • Description:

      The short form, Raivo, is more common these days.
  18. Richeza
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Richiza, German
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"
    • Description:

      Richeza was a name that had its heyday in the Middle Ages but has since fallen into disuse. Richeza, and its variation Richenza, were used by the Swedish and Polish royal families. In a modern context, Richeza could be used to honor an important Richard in the family.
  19. Raicho
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "Thunderbird"
    • Description:

      Japanese feminist Raicho Hiratsuka chose the name Raicho for herself - no doubt because of its fabulously meaning. As a journalist and publisher, Raicho fought for the rights of working class women in Japan’s textile industry and eschewed conventional domesticity, openly living with a lover and having her children out of wedlock. Thunderbirds are GO indeed!
  20. Rupa
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "silver"
    • Description:

      Related to the Indian word and currency "rupee', Rupa derives its meaning from the ancient Sanskrit language, and can mean both silver and beautiful. Rupa also has strong historical and literary associations (as Rupa Bhawani was a noted 16th Century poetess and mystic) from Kashmir.