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Classic Boy Names That Start with the Letter R

Classic R boy names

Looking for a classic boy's name that starts with R? You've found the right list! From reliable Robert to regal Richard, here are some rad R-names that are rooted in tradition but don't feel like rusty relics:

  1. Robert. A dapper -t ending boys' name for the traditionalist.
  2. Richard. For some, Richard is a charming classic with a solid saintly and royal pedigree; for others, it's a fusty first name best left on the shelf. What's your take?
  3. Rafael. This name takes its inspiration from the archangel Raphael and comes with many spelling variations, with each country having its own favorite variant.
  4. Riley. As a girl name, Riley shot up from obscurity to fame in the 1990s; as a boy name, Riley has been part of the American baby name lexicon for generations.
  5. Raymond. A timeless classic with saintly and literary credentials, or a dusty, musty moniker that deserves a long hiatus? We'll let you decide.
  6. Russell. A classic that has temporarily lost its way.
  7. Ruben. A streamlined version of Reuben, the biblical original.
  8. Roy. Tracing its roots back to the old Norman word roy, meaning "king", this name might appeal if you're looking for a moniker with with a subtle royal connection.
  9. Ronald. A currently underused classic with presidential cred.
  10. Roland. A lost classic worthy of revival, or one best left in mothballs? We're not sure.
  11. Roger. Famous Rogers include tennis legend Roger Federer and actor Roger Moore.
  12. Rex. A short, solid classic ignored by the masses, Rex means "king" in Latin.
  13. Ray. Ray may be the go-to nickname for Raymond, but this mini moniker stands on its own merits, too.
  14. Reuben. An understated biblical classic from the Old Testament.
  15. Rene. Well-traveled and well-established, but not overly common.
  16. Ralph. A age-old masculine given name with Catholic bona fides (via St. Ralph Sherwin), literary overtones (thanks to Ralph Moody and Ralph Ellison), and a fashion edge courtesy of Mr Lauren.
  17. Randall. One of the more dated names on this list—but still a classic!
  18. Ross. A currently overlooked classic with Scottish flair and Shakespearean cachet (Ross is a Scottish nobleman in Shakespeare's Macbeth).
  19. Roderick. The name of a 9th-century Catholic saint, Roderick has a long history as a given name, though it's never been chart-toppingly popular.