Boy Names
Classic, modern, and timeless names for your son. Every name has a story, discover the meaning, origin, and pronunciation behind it.
Ren
“Lotus or love”
A Japanese name most commonly written with the kanji for 'lotus' (ren) or 'love' (ren). The lotus, which blooms in purity from muddy water, makes this a name rich in spiritual symbolism and quiet strength.
Renard
“Clever as a fox”
Renard entered English usage from Norman French following the conquest of 1066 and was common in medieval England. Its enduring association with foxes, derived from the celebrated literary character Reynard the Fox, gives it a clever, cunning connotation. Today it is an uncommon but distinctive name in English-speaking countries.
Renato
“born again or reborn”
Renato derives from the Latin past participle 'renatus,' formed from 're-' (again) and 'natus' (born), making it a name that literally means 'born again.' In early Christian theology, this concept referred to the spiritual rebirth of baptism, giving the name a profound sacramental meaning. It was widely adopted in Italian Catholic culture as a name that expressed faith and the transforming grace of the sacraments.
Renaud
“Wise and powerful ruler”
Renaud arrived in England with the Norman Conquest and was common among the medieval Anglo-Norman aristocracy as a variant of Reginald and Reynold. While it largely fell out of common English use in favour of those anglicized forms, it persisted as a distinctive given name and surname. Its French sound gives it a refined, continental elegance.
Rene
“Reborn, spiritually renewed”
René comes from the Latin Renatus, meaning 'reborn' or 'born again,' a name with explicitly Christian connotations linked to the sacrament of baptism and the concept of spiritual rebirth. It entered Spanish-speaking cultures via French influence during the colonial period and was readily embraced for its elegant sound and powerful theological meaning. The name is used for both boys and girls across Latin America, though it skews masculine in some regions and feminine in others.
Renji
“Lotus and compassion”
Renji is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji combinations, most commonly those meaning lotus and compassion, lotus and second son, or good and second. The lotus, rising pure from murky water, is one of Buddhism's central symbols of enlightenment and spiritual transformation. When combined with characters suggesting devotion or compassion, Renji becomes a name of quiet spiritual depth. It carries a contemplative, serene quality alongside a gentle strength.
Renpei
“lotus or love and flat or peaceful”
The name Renpei is composed of two kanji elements: 蓮 or 恋 (ren), meaning lotus or love respectively, and 平 (pei/hei), meaning flat, peaceful, or calm. Together, the name evokes a grounded, loving personality with an inner serenity. It is an older, more traditional Japanese masculine name with a dignified weight.
Rento
“lotus and soaring or love and flight”
Rento is typically written as 蓮斗 (lotus + the Big Dipper/soaring) or 恋斗 (love + soaring), reflecting a poetic combination of earthly beauty and celestial ambition. The kanji 斗 (to) refers to the Big Dipper constellation and symbolizes greatness and a guiding light. This name has a contemporary feel while retaining classical Japanese aesthetic values.
Renzo
“Crowned with laurel”
Renzo is an Italian diminutive that has crossed into English-speaking use, appreciated for its energetic, modern feel. It is most associated with Italian culture but has gained traction in English-speaking countries as parents seek names with a distinctive yet accessible sound. The name has a creative, artistic connotation partly due to its association with renowned architects and designers.
Reo
“Wise centre”
Reo is a modern Japanese masculine name whose meaning depends on the kanji chosen by parents at the time of registration. Common combinations include rei (wise, clever) with o (centre, thread, male), or leo rendered phonetically, giving it a connection to the Latin name Leo meaning lion. The name has an energetic, forward-moving sound and a compact confidence. It is fashionable in contemporary Japan while remaining accessible internationally.
Reuben
“Behold, a son”
Reuben is a classic biblical name that has been used in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation, when Old Testament names became fashionable. It enjoyed particular popularity among Puritan settlers in early America and has seen a modern revival as vintage names return to fashion. The name has a warm, grounded character that has endeared it to parents seeking something traditional yet not overly common.
Reuel
“Friend of God”
Reuel is a rare and ancient biblical name that has been used quietly in English-speaking communities since the Reformation era. It is best known today as one of the middle names of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, which has given it a certain appeal among literary and fantasy enthusiasts. Its rarity lends it a distinctive quality for parents seeking a deeply rooted, uncommon biblical name.
Reuven
“Behold, a son”
Reuven is the original Hebrew form of Reuben, meaning behold, a son. In the Torah, it was the name given by Leah to her firstborn with Jacob, expressing her profound joy and relief at bearing a son. The name carries a sense of wonder and gratitude that remains deeply moving.
Revere
“To regard with deep respect”
Revere is an uncommon English given name most strongly associated with American patriot Paul Revere, whose midnight ride warning colonial militias has made the name synonymous with bold civic courage. It functions as both a surname used as a first name and a vocabulary word name with a powerful positive meaning. Parents drawn to this name often appreciate its combination of historical resonance and the noble quality of its literal meaning.
Rex
“King”
Rex is a direct Latin borrowing meaning king. It was used as a formal title for Roman kings before the Republic, and as an honorific for rulers throughout the ancient world. As a given name in the English-speaking world it gained currency in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, prized for its punchy brevity, regal weight, and confident sound. It has a mid-century cool that modern parents find fresh and compelling.
Reyaansh
“Ray of divine light”
Reyaansh means 'a ray of light' or 'a part of the divine light', combining the concept of radiance with the idea of being a fragment or expression of the divine. The name suggests that the child is a blessing of luminosity, sent as a beam of God's light into the world. It is considered highly auspicious in Hindu naming tradition as it connects the child to solar and divine energy.
Reyansh
“Ray of light”
Reyansh is a modern Sanskrit-derived name meaning "a ray of light" or "a part of the sun." It is also interpreted as referring to a portion or manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver deity in Hinduism. The name has surged in popularity in recent years, beloved for its radiant meaning and contemporary sound. It evokes warmth, divinity, and the promise of brilliance.
Reynard
“Brave counsel, hardy adviser”
Reynard entered the English language primarily through the enormously popular medieval cycle of beast fables known as the Roman de Renart, in which a wily fox named Reynard outwits wolves, bears, and kings through cunning and wit. The name became so associated with foxes that 'reynard' became a common noun for fox in several European languages. As a given name it carries connotations of cleverness, boldness, and a sharp, independent mind.
Rhett
“Advice, counsel”
Rhett is a name that gained widespread recognition in English-speaking countries largely through the character Rhett Butler in Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and the 1939 film adaptation starring Clark Gable. It projects a strong, masculine, slightly roguish charm and has been consistently used in the American South. The name has seen renewed popularity in the 21st century as parents seek short, strong, single-syllable names with a distinctive character.
Rhisiart
“Strong ruler”
Rhisiart is the Welsh form of Richard, a name of Old Germanic origin composed of 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (strong, brave). Together these elements form 'strong ruler' or 'powerful leader'. Rhisiart represents the Cymricisation of a popular medieval European name, giving it a distinctly Welsh character through its orthography and pronunciation. It carries a scholarly, ancient air, evoking the literary and bardic traditions of Wales.
Rhoderick
“Famous ruler, glorious power”
Rhoderick is a distinctive anglicized spelling of the classic name Roderick, lending it a slightly more archaic and distinguished appearance. The 'Rho' prefix gives it a subtle classical resonance, evoking Greek letters and scholarly traditions. It remains rare enough to feel unique while still being recognizable to most English speakers.
Rhodri
“Circle ruler”
Rhodri means 'circle ruler' or 'wheel king,' composed of the Welsh elements 'rhod' (circle, wheel) and 'rhi' (ruler, king). It is a name of ancient royal authority, carried by one of the most important kings in Welsh history.
Rhydian
“Ford”
Rhydian derives from the Welsh word 'rhyd', meaning a ford, the shallow crossing point of a river. Such geographical features were central to life in ancient Wales, and names rooted in the landscape carry a deep sense of place. The name gained broader recognition through Rhydian Roberts, the Welsh baritone who reached the final of The X Factor in 2007, introducing the name to audiences well beyond Wales. It is a name with genuine Welsh identity, musical resonance, and a strong, flowing sound.
Rhydwen
“Blessed ford”
Rhydwen is a Welsh name formed from 'rhyd', meaning ford or river crossing, and 'gwen' or 'wen', meaning blessed, white, or holy. It is a landscape name grounded in the Welsh countryside, evoking a sacred crossing point over a river. The name carries a rare, dignified quality that is deeply rooted in Welsh literary and geographical tradition.
Rhys
“Ardour, enthusiasm”
Rhys is an ancient Welsh name meaning 'ardour,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'passion.' It carries a sense of fiery determination and spirited energy, reflecting the character of the medieval Welsh princes who bore this name and defended their lands with fierce devotion.
Riaan
“Little king, pleasant one”
Riaan is a name meaning 'little king', 'kingly', or 'innocent and pure', often associated with royalty and a gentle, noble character. In some interpretations rooted in Sanskrit tradition, it also means 'one who pleases' or 'the pleasant one', making it a name that combines regal dignity with a warm, agreeable nature. It is regarded as a name of great positivity and promise.
Rían
“Little king, kingly”
Rían is an Irish boy's name formed from 'rí,' the Old Irish word for king, combined with the diminutive suffix '-án,' giving the sense of little king or one who is kingly by nature. It is a name of quiet authority and nobility, rooted in the ancient Irish veneration of kingship as a sacred and defining concept. Compact and easy to pronounce, Rían has a modern, accessible feel while carrying deep traditional weight.
Ricardo
“Brave ruler, powerful leader”
Ricardo entered English usage primarily through Hispanic cultural influence in the Americas, and today it is widely used by English speakers of Latin heritage as well as the broader population. The name carries a cosmopolitan flair, bridging English and Romance language traditions with elegance. It became especially prominent in the United States during the 20th century alongside growing Latino cultural influence.
Riccardo
“Strong ruler, brave leader”
Riccardo is the Italian form of Richard, composed of the Germanic elements 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (strong, brave). The name paints a picture of courageous leadership and unwavering strength. It carries the romantic musicality of Italian while preserving the commanding presence of its Germanic roots.
Richie
“Brave ruler, affectionate diminutive”
Richie has long served as the friendly, informal version of Richard in English-speaking cultures, projecting warmth and approachability rather than the gravitas of its full form. It became especially popular as a standalone given name in the mid-20th century, riding a wave of affection for diminutive names in American and British culture. Today Richie functions both as a nickname and as an independent first name registered on birth certificates.
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