Red Dog Names

Often thought of as a one-peson name because of Jungle Book writer Kipling, this was actually his middle name. He was middle-named for Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire, the beauty of which inspired his parents to reference it in their first child's name. Trivia tidbit: Actress Kim Raver gave her son Leo the middle name of Kipling.

Though as a formal name Rusty is a little, well, rusty, it spent half a century among the Top 1000, departing only in 1995. Only 45 baby boys received the name in the US in one recent year and it's difficult to imagine it as the winning choice of many modern parents. Whether you want an informal name or a spin on a traditional name or even a word name or a name that means red, there are simply too many better options.

Indian choice meaning fire in step with American styles.

Carnelian is an ochre-colored semi-precious gemstone, named after a type of cherry.

Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname.

An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

A strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.

With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion. It's never been popular as a given name for either sex but is seen as a nickname for names such as Monroe and Rowan.

This Noongar girls’ name has a dainty sound that belies its fierce fire meaning and could easily cross over into the American or European context.

Flann variation that's most familiar as the name of writer Flannery O'Connor. It derives from the Irish surname Ó Flannghaile, meaning "descendant of Flannghal".

Omaira is an intriguing Middle Eastern possibility.

With its soft sounds, its unisex appeal, and its nature connection, Rowan has been climbing the charts in recent years. The modern spelling twist, Rowen, has trailed behind, about 7 times less popular than the traditional option and not as well-used as Rowyn, but nevertheless, still given to 170 babies in a recent year.

Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan. 

Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.

A popular choice right now in Japan, where it recently ranked in the Top 10.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion. It's never been popular as a given name for either sex but is seen as a nickname for names such as Monroe and Rowan.

Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.