Here you’ll find 60 Male dog names that start with R that begin with R, organized from “Radar” to “Ryu”. They include classic, trend-driven, and culturally diverse names suitable for many breeds.

Male dog names that start with R are popular choices for owners who want bold or lyrical names. Many come from languages, myth, and pop culture, which gives you creative options.

Below you’ll find the table with origin, pronunciation, and meaning.

Name: The actual name listed so you can scan options and pick names that match your dog’s personality and appearance.

Origin: Shows the language or culture where the name comes from, helping you choose meaningful or culturally resonant names.

Pronunciation: Provides a simple phonetic guide so you can say the name confidently and test how it sounds aloud.

Meaning: Gives a brief definition or origin story so you understand connotations and pick a name with intent.

Male dog names that start with R

NameScientific nameOriginPronunciation
RexCanis lupus familiarisLatinREKS
RoccoCanis lupus familiarisItalianROCK-oh
RockyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishROCK-ee
RoscoeCanis lupus familiarisEnglishROS-koh
RustyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRUST-ee
RileyCanis lupus familiarisIrishRYE-lee
RudyCanis lupus familiarisGermanROO-dee
RufusCanis lupus familiarisLatinROO-fus
RemyCanis lupus familiarisFrenchREH-mee
RemusCanis lupus familiarisLatinREE-mus
RemoCanis lupus familiarisItalianREH-mo
RemingtonCanis lupus familiarisEnglishREH-ming-ton
RomanCanis lupus familiarisLatinROH-man
RomeoCanis lupus familiarisItalianROH-mee-oh
RaphaelCanis lupus familiarisHebrewRAH-fa-el
RafaelCanis lupus familiarisSpanishrah-fa-EL
RafaCanis lupus familiarisSpanishRAH-fah
RafiCanis lupus familiarisHebrewRAH-fee
RafeCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAYF
RangerCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAYN-jer
RaidenCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseRYE-den
RamboCanis lupus familiarisPop cultureRAM-boh
RadarCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAY-dar
RainierCanis lupus familiarisGermanRAY-nee-er
RainerCanis lupus familiarisGermanRAY-ner
RamsesCanis lupus familiarisEgyptianRAM-seez
RamsayCanis lupus familiarisScottishRAM-say
RascalCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRASS-kul
ReubenCanis lupus familiarisHebrewROO-ben
ReggieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishREH-jee
ReginaldCanis lupus familiarisGermanicREJ-in-ald
RogerCanis lupus familiarisGermanicROJ-er
RoryCanis lupus familiarisGaelicRAW-ree
RowanCanis lupus familiarisGaelicROH-wan
RohanCanis lupus familiarisSanskritROH-han
RonanCanis lupus familiarisIrishROH-nan
RolloCanis lupus familiarisNorseROHL-oh
RolandCanis lupus familiarisGermanicROH-land
RodneyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishROHD-nee
RonnieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRON-ee
RandyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAN-dee
RalphCanis lupus familiarisGermanicRALF
RupertCanis lupus familiarisGermanicROO-pert
RicoCanis lupus familiarisSpanishREE-koh
RioCanis lupus familiarisSpanishREE-oh
RikerCanis lupus familiarisDutchRYE-ker
RyderCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRYE-der
RipleyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRIP-lee
RumiCanis lupus familiarisPersianROO-mee
RyuCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseREE-yoo
RufioCanis lupus familiarisPop cultureROO-fee-oh
RiddickCanis lupus familiarisPop cultureRID-ick
RansomCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAN-sum
RaffertyCanis lupus familiarisIrishra-FER-tee
RalphieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAL-fee
RamseyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishRAM-zee
RamonCanis lupus familiarisSpanishrah-MON
RaulCanis lupus familiarisSpanishrow-OL
RizzoCanis lupus familiarisItalianRIT-soh
RowdyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishROW-dee

Descriptions

Rex
Classic one-syllable name meaning “king” in Latin, very popular for bold, confident dogs.
Rocco
Tough-sounding Italian name often used for sturdy breeds, conjures a playful, strong companion.
Rocky
Energetic, boxing-inspired name; popular for spirited or resilient dogs.
Roscoe
Old-fashioned surname turned dog name, friendly and slightly quirky; common in English-speaking households.
Rusty
Color-based nickname for red or auburn-coated dogs, warm and nostalgic.
Riley
Unisex Irish surname first name, upbeat and casual — widely used for male dogs.
Rudy
Short form of Rudolf, energetic and affectionate; often used for small- to medium-sized dogs.
Rufus
Latin-origin name meaning “red-haired”; classic dog name with a vintage feel.
Remy
French name used for males and pets, stylish and short; evokes charm and intelligence.
Remus
Ancient Roman name (Romulus and Remus), mythic and strong—good for noble-looking dogs.
Remo
Italian short form of Remus/Remigio, playful and uncommon for a pet name.
Remington
Surname-turned-first-name, sounds distinguished and sturdy; common for large or dignified dogs.
Roman
Evokes Rome and strength, a modern human name often chosen for confident male dogs.
Romeo
Romantic literary name from Shakespeare, playful and affectionate when used for pets.
Raphael
Meaning “God has healed”, elegant and artistic—used both for people and pets.
Rafael
Spanish variant of Raphael, warm and widely recognized across cultures.
Rafa
Casual short form of Rafael, breezy and friendly — great for playful pups.
Rafi
Short, energetic name of Hebrew origin; also a common nickname in several languages.
Rafe
Short English variant of Rafael/Ralph, understated and gentlemanly for a calm dog.
Ranger
Outdoorsy, adventurous name suggesting a protector or trail companion—popular for working breeds.
Raiden
Japanese-origin name meaning “thunder and lightning”, gained popularity via gaming and anime culture.
Rambo
Tough, action-hero inspired name (from film character), fitting for fearless, muscular dogs.
Radar
Quirky tech-inspired name for alert or curious dogs; playful and modern.
Rainier
Mountain-inspired name (Mount Rainier), noble and outdoorsy; suits big, steady dogs.
Rainer
Germanic name meaning “wise army”, elegant and slightly old-fashioned for a dignified pet.
Ramses
Ancient Egyptian royal name, grand and historical—good for imposing or regal dogs.
Ramsay
Scottish surname used as a given name, rugged yet refined; familiar to many from pop culture.
Rascal
Playful nickname for mischievous pups; affectionate and lighthearted.
Reuben
Biblical Hebrew name meaning “behold, a son”; traditional and warm for family dogs.
Reggie
Friendly diminutive of Reginald, casual and popular as a cheerful dog name.
Reginald
Formal, old-fashioned name often shortened to Reggie; dignified and vintage.
Roger
Classic English name with a solid, dependable feel—used for calm, loyal dogs.
Rory
Irish-origin name meaning “red king”, energetic and jaunty; fits small to medium dogs.
Rowan
Tree-inspired Irish name, gentle and naturey; unisex but commonly used for males.
Rohan
Sanskrit origin meaning “ascending”, also known from fantasy literature; noble and modern.
Ronan
Meaning “little seal” in Irish, rugged and coastal—charming for water-loving breeds.
Rollo
Medieval Norse name with a playful ring; suitable for loyal, sturdy dogs.
Roland
Epic, chivalric name from medieval tales; strong and classic for larger breeds.
Rodney
Traditional English name with a friendly, approachable vibe for family pets.
Ronnie
Casual diminutive of Ronald; warm and familiar—works for affectionate male dogs.
Randy
Informal, energetic name derived from Randall or Randolph; good for playful companions.
Ralph
Old-fashioned human name making a comeback as a sturdy dog name.
Rupert
Quaint and aristocratic-sounding name used affectionately for dignified or quirky pets.
Rico
Short, snappy Spanish name meaning “powerful, rich”; common for lively dogs.
Rio
Meaning “river” in Spanish; short, bright name for active or water-loving dogs.
Riker
Surname-turned-first-name, modern and bold—popularized by TV and suitable for strong dogs.
Ryder
Occupational surname used as a given name, adventurous and sporty-sounding.
Ripley
Surname-first-name with literary and film associations; quirky and memorable for pets.
Rumi
After the 13th-century Persian poet, gentle and lyrical—suits thoughtful or calm dogs.
Ryu
Japanese name meaning “dragon”, short and strong; familiar from martial-arts and gaming culture.
Rufio
Name from the Peter Pan sequel/films, adventurous and playful for spunky dogs.
Riddick
Film character name with edgy, tough connotations—often chosen for bold or mysterious pets.
Ransom
Surname meaning “ransom”, used as a striking, slightly roguish pet name.
Rafferty
Irish surname used as a first name, whimsical and charming—good for distinctive dogs.
Ralphie
Affectionate diminutive of Ralph, cozy and playful—popular for family pets.
Ramsey
Surname-based name with a hearty, friendly tone; familiar from chefs and TV.
Ramon
Spanish form of Raymond, smooth and popular in Spanish-speaking communities.
Raul
Spanish male name common in many cultures; strong, concise choice for male dogs.
Rizzo
Sassy, urban-flavored name (famous from pop culture) often used for spirited pets.
Rowdy
Descriptive nickname for boisterous dogs, playful and attention-grabbing.
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