Welsh Names that Start With R
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Rhys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
There's Rhys and there's Reese (now more popular for girls) and there's Reece, and we particularly like the traditional Welsh spelling, which entered the list in 2004, possibly influenced by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, of The Tudors, and Welsh-born actor Rhys Ifans.
- Reese
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
The sassy, steel magnolia appeal of Oscar-winning Reese (born Laura Jeanne—Reese is her mother's maiden name) Witherspoon has single-handedly propelled this formerly boys’ name into girls' popularity.
- Rowena
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white spear or famous friend"Description:
A fabled storybook name via the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe (1819), which featured a heroine called Rowena of Hargottstanstede, and also a Harry Potter name, as Rowena Ravenclaw, founder of one of the Hogwarts houses..
- Rhiannon
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"divine queen"Description:
Most of us had never heard this lovely Welsh name with links to the moon until we heard the 1976 smash hit Fleetwood Mac song of that name, with lyrics by Stevie Nicks. That same year it popped onto the U.S. Top 1000 at Number 593.
- Reese
Origin:
Spelling variation of RhysDescription:
An Anglicized spelling of the Welsh Rhys, this traditional boys' name got a big boost for girls in the early 2000s, thanks to the high-profile Ms. Witherspoon (who was actually born Laura Jeanne Reese, her second middle being her mother's maiden name). This spelling has been on the decline for boys since 2003, possibly for the same reason, but remains a strong, simple choice which might pose fewer spelling and pronunciation issues outside of the UK than the Welsh original.
- Rhoswen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white rose"Description:
If you're looking for an unusual alternative to all those Rose names, Rhoswen might be a good choice. This name has the soft sounds we've come to love from the Welsh language but is still not as familiar as Bronwen and Rhiannon.
- Rhonwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"slender, fair"Description:
The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both unusual and traditional, classically feminine yet strong.
- Rhonda
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"noisy one"Description:
"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name.
- Rhodri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"wheel, circle"Description:
Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales. Has a nice Rory-like feel.
- Rhys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
Less than ten percent of the babies named Rhys are girls, whereas Reese is given five times more often to girls than to boys, thanks to Ms. Witherspoon. It's a sleek and attractive name, but one that benefits from two accepted spellings that help clarify its gender identity.
- Rhian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
- Rhisiart
Origin:
Welsh from GermanMeaning:
"brave ruler"Description:
Welsh form of Richard.
- Rhydderch
Description:
Rhydderch is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the elements 'rhudd' meaning 'red' or 'crimson' and 'derch' meaning 'splendid' or 'magnificent.' Historically, it was the name of several notable Welsh kings and nobles, particularly Rhydderch Hael (the Generous), a 6th-century ruler of Strathclyde. The name carries connotations of nobility, generosity, and leadership in Welsh tradition. While relatively uncommon in modern usage outside of Wales, it represents a strong connection to Welsh heritage and history. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Welsh speakers, typically approximated as 'hrith-erkh' with a rolled 'r' sound.
- Romney
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"winding river"Description:
With the fashion for all names Rom, this strong surname with ties to Old Master painter George has new possibilities. Obviously, it now has more political associations than artistic.
- Rheinallt
Description:
Rheinallt is a masculine Welsh name with historical significance in Welsh culture. It derives from the Old Germanic name Reginald, which combines 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule), meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'wise counselor.' The Welsh adaptation transformed the pronunciation and spelling to suit Welsh phonetic patterns. Rheinallt remains relatively rare even within Wales and is virtually unknown outside Welsh-speaking communities. The name carries a strong connection to Welsh heritage and language preservation, making it a choice that reflects cultural pride. The distinctive Welsh double 'l' (pronounced with a lateral fricative sound) gives the name a characteristic Welsh sound that may be challenging for non-Welsh speakers. Rheinallt represents an authentic option for families with Welsh connections seeking a name with genuine cultural roots.
- Romney
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"winding river"Description:
Brings to mind the romantic and elegant eighteenth century portraits of George Romney.