Arabic Names that Start With R

Popular Arabic name for boys and sometimes girls too, that's also a term of authority in India.

Most people will assoicate it with the well-known children's singer.

This pretty name found in Spanish-speaking countries shares the diminutive of Romy—also spelled Romi—with Rosemary. It joined the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.

A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.

Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."

In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.

Could cause pronunciation problems.

Nature girl played by Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions," it now has an old-style bohemian feel.

Shy but sultry.

This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.

Sounds a bit like a shortening of Rafael or a condensation of Rafaela, but Rafa is a name in its own right. Whether you use it as a full name or a nickname, Rafa's casual coolness could allow it to follow in the footsteps of other tomboy names for girls, like Billie and Scout.

Raja is a widely-used Arabic or Sanskrit name that works for girls as well as boys. Five baby girls were named Raja and seven given the Rajah spelling in the US last year, where for boys the popularity of the spellings was reversed: 18 Raja to ten Rajah.

To Muslims, an auspicious name.

Rashida is an evocative and alluring name, currently represented by Rashida Jones, daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones, who has been featured in The Office, Parks & Recreation, and The Social Network.

The capital of Saudi Arabia makes a difficult first name.

Rhythmic choice sometimes heard in Muslim families.

Rhythmic name suitable for a girl born in a springtime month.

One of several similar names with a pleasant, intriguing sound.