This list includes 15 Irish girl names that start with R, from “Raghnailt” to “Rúna”. It features traditional Gaelic forms and established anglicized variants for parents, writers, and name-enthusiasts.

Irish girl names that start with R are female names of Irish or Gaelic origin beginning with R. Many come from Gaelic words, saints’ names, or myth, such as “Raghnailt” showing historical Norse influence.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, and Meaning.

Name: The name column lists each girl’s name exactly as used, so you can quickly spot options and spellings.

Pronunciation: The pronunciation gives a simple phonetic guide, helping you say each name confidently and correctly.

Meaning: The meaning offers a brief translation or etymology to help you understand the name’s origin and connotations.

Irish girl names that start with R

NamePronunciationMeaningOrigin/Variants
RóisínROH-sheenlittle roseGaelic; variants: Roisin, Rosheen, Rosin
RóisROHshroseGaelic; variants: Rois, Rose
RóiseROH-sharoseGaelic; variants: Roise, Róis
RíonaREE-oh-naqueenly; possibly “queen”Gaelic; variants: Riona, Ríona
RúnaROO-nahsecret, mysteryGaelic; variants: Runa
RéaltaRAYL-tahstarGaelic; variants: Réalta, Realtá
RéaltínRAYL-teenlittle starGaelic; variants: Realtin
RéaltógRAYL-toguelittle starGaelic; variants: Realtog, Réaltóg
RónaROH-nahsealGaelic; variants: Rona, Róna
RaghnailtRAG-naltfrom Ragnhildr, “advice in battle”Gaelic (medieval); variants: Ragnailt, Raghnait, Ragnait
RaghnaitRAG-nitfrom Ragnhildr, “advice in battle”Gaelic (medieval); variants: Raghnailt, Ragnait
RíoghnachREE-oh-nakhqueenly (from ríoghna ‘queen’)Gaelic; variants: Rioghnach, Reaghan (anglicised)
RíonachREE-oh-nakhqueenly or nobleGaelic; variants: Rionach, Rionagh
RíghnaREE-nahqueenGaelic; variants: Ríghna, Ríghne
RoisROHSroseGaelic; variants: Rois, Róis, Rosa

Descriptions

Róisín
Beloved Irish diminutive of Rós. Literary and musical associations (e.g., “Róisín Dubh”); very popular with parents.
Róis
Traditional Gaelic form of Rose; used historically in poetry and as a simple Irish given name.
Róise
Irish spelling/pronunciation of Rose; common in Irish-speaking families as the everyday form.
Ríona
Modern Irish name likely linked to ríoghna “queen”; steadily used since the 20th century.
Rúna
From Old Irish rún ‘secret’ or ‘mystery’; poetic, lyrical name with medieval usage.
Réalta
Literary Irish word for ‘star’ adopted as a feminine name; occasionally used for its celestial feel.
Réaltín
Diminutive of Réalta; rare and charming, used in Irish-language contexts.
Réaltóg
Another diminutive form of Réalta; uncommon and whimsically poetic.
Róna
Feminine form related to rón ‘seal’; used sporadically in Ireland (note it also appears in other cultures).
Raghnailt
Medieval Gaelic form of Old Norse Ragnhildr; attested among noblewomen in annals and genealogies.
Raghnait
Alternative medieval spelling of Raghnailt; historically borne by Irish aristocratic women.
Ríoghnach
Old Gaelic name meaning ‘queenly’; source for anglicised forms like Reaghan/Reagan.
Ríonach
Historic feminine name found in saints’ lives and medieval documents; traditional and distinctly Gaelic.
Ríghna
Older Gaelic form related to ríoghna ‘queen’; rare today but attested in early Irish sources.
Rois
Simple, anglicised-looking form of the Gaelic Róis; used historically and sometimes chosen for a short modern form.
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