130+ Japanese Names That Start With “R” With Meanings

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Written By Muhammed Serum

“As founder of Namezroot, Muhammed Serum blends passion and creativity to bring readers content on names, lifestyle, travel, and more.” 

Choosing a Japanese name that starts with the letter “R” can bring a refreshing, melodic, and graceful touch to your child’s identity. In Japanese, “R” is pronounced with a soft flap sound—a gentle blend of R and L—which makes these names smooth, elegant, and naturally pleasing to hear. Whether you want a name that feels unique, culturally meaningful, or internationally friendly, Japanese R-names often tick all the boxes with effortless charm.

Unlike many English names beginning with R that may feel common or repetitive, Japanese names starting with “R” are rich in depth and symbolism. From Ren (lotus) and Rina (jasmine and elegance) to Ryo (refreshing) and Rei (beautiful), these names reflect harmony, strength, nature, and emotional grace. Some are modern and short, while others are classical or poetic—each carrying a beautiful story rooted in Japanese naming traditions.

Female Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Female Japanese Names That Start With “R”

If you want your little girl’s name to reflect elegance, calmness, and inner strength, choosing a Japanese name that starts with “R” can be the perfect beginning. These names often carry meanings linked to beauty, nature, purity, serenity, and sophistication — qualities that many parents wish for their daughters. With the soft flap pronunciation of “R” in Japanese, the names sound gentle, modern, and undeniably graceful, making them appealing not only in Japan but also internationally.

Many female Japanese names starting with “R” are short, melodic, and trend beautifully in today’s naming culture. Whether inspired by flowers like Rina (jasmine), nature like Ran (orchid), emotional elegance like Rui (tears/affection), or simply beauty like Rei (lovely), these names leave a lasting impression the moment they are spoken.

  1. Reiya
    Meaning: Beautiful arrow
    Pronunciation: Ray-yah
    Kanji: 嶺矢
  2. Rina
    Meaning: Jasmine / Village
    Pronunciation: Ree-nah
    Kanji: 里奈 / 莉奈
  3. Riko
    Meaning: Child of truth / Jasmine child
    Pronunciation: Ree-koh
    Kanji: 理子 / 莉子
  4. Rumi
    Meaning: Beauty of lapis lazuli / Flowing beauty
    Pronunciation: Roo-mee
    Kanji: 瑠美 / 流美
  5. Risa
    Meaning: Village of sand / Pear blossom
    Pronunciation: Ree-sah
    Kanji: 梨沙 / 莉彩
  6. Rei
    Meaning: Lovely / Graceful
    Pronunciation: Ray
    Kanji: 麗 / 玲
  7. Ruka
    Meaning: Flower of the moon / Fragrance
    Pronunciation: Roo-kah
    Kanji: 琉花 / 瑠香
  8. Rumiya
    Meaning: Clear beauty
    Pronunciation: Roo-mee-yah
    Kanji: 瑠美夜
  9. Rinko
    Meaning: Forest child
    Pronunciation: Reen-koh
    Kanji: 林子
  10. Risae
    Meaning: Beautiful flower sprout
    Pronunciation: Ree-sah-eh
    Kanji: 莉咲恵
  11. Ririko
    Meaning: Jasmine pear child
    Pronunciation: Ree-ree-koh
    Kanji: 莉梨子
  12. Ran
    Meaning: Orchid
    Pronunciation: Rahn
    Kanji: 蘭
  13. Ria
    Meaning: Village and love
    Pronunciation: Ree-ah
    Kanji: 里愛
  14. Ryona
    Meaning: Refreshing greens
    Pronunciation: Rye-oh-nah
    Kanji: 涼菜
  15. Rikari
    Meaning: Light of jasmine
    Pronunciation: Ree-kah-ree
    Kanji: 莉光里
  16. Rihoko
    Meaning: Beautiful child of goodness
    Pronunciation: Ree-hoh-koh
    Kanji: 莉保子
  17. Riyu
    Meaning: Reason and kindness
    Pronunciation: Ree-yoo
    Kanji: 理優
  18. Remi
    Meaning: Lovely beauty
    Pronunciation: Reh-mee
    Kanji: 麗美
  19. Ritsuha
    Meaning: Rhythm of leaves
    Pronunciation: Reet-soo-hah
    Kanji: 律葉
  20. Rushika
    Meaning: Elegant fragrance
    Pronunciation: Roo-shee-kah
    Kanji: 瑠紫香

See Also: 130+ Japanese Names That Mean “Star” For Boys & Girls

Male Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Male Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Japanese boy names beginning with “R” often reflect strength, intelligence, resilience, and natural elements, making them powerful yet meaningful choices. The soft flap pronunciation of R in Japanese gives these names a distinguished tone — strong but not harsh, confident yet graceful. Many of these names are associated with virtues like determination, freshness, leadership, and bravery, commonly seen in modern as well as traditional Japanese male naming trends.

  1. Ren
    Meaning: Lotus / Love
    Pronunciation: Rehn
    Kanji: 蓮 / 恋
  2. Riku
    Meaning: Land / Earth
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo
    Kanji: 陸
  3. Ryusei
    Meaning: Shooting star
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-seh
    Kanji: 流星
  4. Ryo
    Meaning: Refreshing / Bright
    Pronunciation: Ryoh
    Kanji: 涼 / 亮
  5. Reo
    Meaning: Wise / Courageous
    Pronunciation: Ray-oh
    Kanji: 怜央
  6. Ryota
    Meaning: Strong and big
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-tah
    Kanji: 涼太 / 亮太
  7. Ryu
    Meaning: Dragon
    Pronunciation: Ryoo
    Kanji: 龍 / 竜
  8. Reiji
    Meaning: Courtesy and rule
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee
    Kanji: 礼二 / 怜司
  9. Ritsuki
    Meaning: Law and hope
    Pronunciation: Reet-soo-kee
    Kanji: 律希
  10. Ryunosuke
    Meaning: Noble assistant of the dragon
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-noh-skay
    Kanji: 龍之介
  11. Raito
    Meaning: Light
    Pronunciation: Rye-toh
    Kanji: 来斗 / 亮斗
  12. Rihito
    Meaning: Bright person
    Pronunciation: Ree-hee-toh
    Kanji: 理人
  13. Ryuki
    Meaning: Dragon tree / Noble hope
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-kee
    Kanji: 龍樹 / 琉希
  14. Reiichiro
    Meaning: First-born of grace
    Pronunciation: Ray-ee-chee-roh
    Kanji: 礼一郎
  15. Rokuro
    Meaning: Sixth son
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-roh
    Kanji: 六郎
  16. Reiwa
    Meaning: Beautiful harmony
    Pronunciation: Ray-wah
    Kanji: 令和
  17. Rinto
    Meaning: Ethical and strong
    Pronunciation: Reen-toh
    Kanji: 倫斗
  18. Rihachi
    Meaning: Wise eight
    Pronunciation: Ree-hah-chee
    Kanji: 理八
  19. Ryoga
    Meaning: Flow and elegance
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-gah
    Kanji: 涼雅
  20. Reigen
    Meaning: Spiritual origin
    Pronunciation: Ray-gen
    Kanji: 霊源
  21. Ryuo
    Meaning: Dragon king
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-oh
    Kanji: 竜王
  22. Rehaku
    Meaning: Clear and white
    Pronunciation: Ray-hah-koo
    Kanji: 玲白
  23. Rikuto
    Meaning: Person of land
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-toh
    Kanji: 陸斗
  24. Ryui
    Meaning: Dragon of love
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-ee
    Kanji: 龍愛
  25. Rikimaru
    Meaning: Strong circle
    Pronunciation: Ree-kee-mah-roo
    Kanji: 力丸

See Also: 130+ Japanese Names That Mean “Water” For Boys & Girls

Unisex Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Unisex Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Looking for a name that is modern, versatile, and effortlessly elegant for any gender? Japanese unisex names starting with “R” are perfect choices as they offer neutral beauty, calm energy, and deep meanings. These names are often inspired by nature, emotions, spirituality, or positive traits, and they work beautifully for both boys and girls. The soft Japanese “R” pronunciation creates a soothing sound, making these names appealing not only in Japan but also internationally.

Unisex names like Ren (lotus/love), Rei (graceful), and Ritsu (rhythm/law) are widely used in contemporary Japan due to their simplicity and modern feel. Many of them are short, stylish, and globally easy to pronounce, making them ideal for today’s generation.

  1. Ren
    Meaning: Lotus / Love
    Pronunciation: Rehn
    Kanji: 蓮 / 恋
  2. Rei
    Meaning: Grace / Lovely
    Pronunciation: Ray
    Kanji: 玲 / 麗
  3. Ritsu
    Meaning: Rhythm / Law
    Pronunciation: Reet-soo
    Kanji: 律
  4. Rui
    Meaning: Affection / Tear of emotion
    Pronunciation: Roo-ee
    Kanji: 涙 / 瑠衣
  5. Raika
    Meaning: Fragrant flower / Harmony
    Pronunciation: Rye-kah
    Kanji: 来花 / 楽香
  6. Rion
    Meaning: Village of sound
    Pronunciation: Ree-on
    Kanji: 理音
  7. Ryo
    Meaning: Refreshing / Good
    Pronunciation: Ryoh
    Kanji: 涼 / 良
  8. Ryuu
    Meaning: Dragon (modern unisex usage)
    Pronunciation: Ryoo
    Kanji: 龍
  9. Reona
    Meaning: Wise sound
    Pronunciation: Ray-oh-nah
    Kanji: 怜音
  10. Rinka
    Meaning: Flower of the forest
    Pronunciation: Reen-kah
    Kanji: 林花
  11. Ria
    Meaning: Village and love
    Pronunciation: Ree-ah
    Kanji: 里愛
  12. Rika
    Meaning: Truthful fragrance
    Pronunciation: Ree-kah
    Kanji: 理香
  13. Ryusei
    Meaning: Shooting star (modern unisex)
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-seh
    Kanji: 流星
  14. Reiji
    Meaning: Wisdom and rule (used for both genders)
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee
    Kanji: 怜司
  15. Rino
    Meaning: Jasmine field
    Pronunciation: Ree-noh
    Kanji: 莉乃
  16. Ritsuha
    Meaning: Rhythm of leaves
    Pronunciation: Reet-soo-hah
    Kanji: 律葉
  17. Riona
    Meaning: Village and greens
    Pronunciation: Ree-oh-nah
    Kanji: 莉緒菜
  18. Raisei
    Meaning: Coming star / Calm spirit
    Pronunciation: Rye-seh
    Kanji: 来星 / 静星
  19. Reiki
    Meaning: Spiritual energy
    Pronunciation: Ray-kee
    Kanji: 霊気
  20. Ryumei
    Meaning: Dragon light
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-may
    Kanji: 龍明
  21. Reiku
    Meaning: Clear sky
    Pronunciation: Ray-koo
    Kanji: 澄空
  22. Ryua
    Meaning: Flowing love
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-ah
    Kanji: 琉愛
  23. Rin
    Meaning: Dignified / Cold
    Pronunciation: Reen
    Kanji: 凛
  24. Roha
    Meaning: Bright leaf
    Pronunciation: Roh-hah
    Kanji: 輝葉
  25. Reku
    Meaning: Sound of hope
    Pronunciation: Reh-koo
    Kanji: 礼久

Popular Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Popular Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Japanese names starting with “R” are incredibly popular due to their soft pronunciation, deep meanings, and global appeal. Whether inspired by nature, virtues, or beauty, these names have become widely used in modern Japan and even among international parents who love Japanese culture. Many of these trending names appear frequently in anime, J-pop, movies, and current Japanese naming charts.

Names like Ren, Riku, Rei, and Ryusei remain among the top choices because they are short, stylish, and easy to pronounce in multiple languages. Some of these names carry fresh and motivational meanings such as “refreshing,” “bright,” or “future,” while others symbolize elegance and inner strength.

  1. Ren
    Meaning: Lotus / Love
    Pronunciation: Rehn
    Kanji: 蓮
  2. Riku
    Meaning: Land / Strength
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo
    Kanji: 陸
  3. Rei
    Meaning: Graceful / Beautiful
    Pronunciation: Ray
    Kanji: 玲 / 麗
  4. Ryo
    Meaning: Refreshing / Good
    Pronunciation: Ryoh
    Kanji: 涼 / 良
  5. Ryusei
    Meaning: Meteor / Shooting star
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-seh
    Kanji: 流星
  6. Ryota
    Meaning: Big and strong
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-tah
    Kanji: 涼太 / 亮太
  7. Rina
    Meaning: Jasmine / Village
    Pronunciation: Ree-nah
    Kanji: 莉奈
  8. Riko
    Meaning: Child of truth
    Pronunciation: Ree-koh
    Kanji: 理子
  9. Ritsu
    Meaning: Rhythm / Law
    Pronunciation: Reet-soo
    Kanji: 律
  10. Ryuu
    Meaning: Dragon
    Pronunciation: Ryoo
    Kanji: 龍 / 竜
  11. Reon
    Meaning: Clear sound
    Pronunciation: Ray-on
    Kanji: 怜音
  12. Ryuto
    Meaning: Flowing person
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-toh
    Kanji: 流斗
  13. Reo
    Meaning: Wise center
    Pronunciation: Ray-oh
    Kanji: 怜央
  14. Ruka
    Meaning: Fragrant flower
    Pronunciation: Roo-kah
    Kanji: 瑠花
  15. Ryuki
    Meaning: Dragon hope
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-kee
    Kanji: 龍希
  16. Rui
    Meaning: Affection / Elegant tears
    Pronunciation: Roo-ee
    Kanji: 瑠衣
  17. Rion
    Meaning: Village sound
    Pronunciation: Ree-on
    Kanji: 理音
  18. Rika
    Meaning: Beautiful fragrance
    Pronunciation: Ree-kah
    Kanji: 莉香
  19. Reiji
    Meaning: Courtesy and rule
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee
    Kanji: 礼司
  20. Reika
    Meaning: Graceful flower
    Pronunciation: Ray-kah
    Kanji: 麗花
  21. Ryoma
    Meaning: Dragon and horse
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-mah
    Kanji: 龍馬
  22. Remi
    Meaning: Lovely beauty
    Pronunciation: Reh-mee
    Kanji: 麗美
  23. Rionna
    Meaning: Sweet sound greens
    Pronunciation: Ree-oh-nah
    Kanji: 莉緒菜
  24. Reijiro
    Meaning: Second son of wisdom
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee-roh
    Kanji: 礼二郎
  25. Rikuya
    Meaning: Brave land
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-yah
    Kanji: 陸也

Historical Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Many Japanese names beginning with “R” have historical significance, often passed down through generations or used by notable figures in Japanese history. These names frequently carry meanings tied to honor, wisdom, leadership, and family legacy, reflecting the values admired in traditional Japanese culture. Choosing a historical “R” name can connect your child to Japan’s rich heritage while still sounding modern and elegant.

Historical names like Rokuro, Rintaro, Ryunosuke, and Reiji were often given to sons in samurai families or influential households. They evoke a sense of strength, dignity, and respect, making them a meaningful choice for parents who want a name with a story.

  1. Rokuro
    Meaning: Sixth son
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-roh
    Kanji: 六郎
  2. Rintaro
    Meaning: Dignified big son
    Pronunciation: Reen-tah-roh
    Kanji: 凛太郎
  3. Ryunosuke
    Meaning: Noble assistant of the dragon
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-noh-skay
    Kanji: 龍之介
  4. Reiji
    Meaning: Courtesy and rule
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee
    Kanji: 礼二
  5. Reijiro
    Meaning: Second son of wisdom
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee-roh
    Kanji: 礼二郎
  6. Rikimaru
    Meaning: Strong circle
    Pronunciation: Ree-kee-mah-roo
    Kanji: 力丸
  7. Ryoma
    Meaning: Dragon and horse
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-mah
    Kanji: 龍馬
  8. Rikuo
    Meaning: Land and king
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-oh
    Kanji: 陸王
  9. Rokuta
    Meaning: Sixth son of big virtue
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-tah
    Kanji: 六太
  10. Rentarou
    Meaning: Lotus big son
    Pronunciation: Ren-tah-roh
    Kanji: 蓮太郎
  11. Rokumaru
    Meaning: Sixth son (circle)
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-mah-roo
    Kanji: 六丸
  12. Retsu
    Meaning: Law / Command
    Pronunciation: Reh-tsu
    Kanji: 列
  13. Ryujin
    Meaning: Dragon god
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-jin
    Kanji: 竜神
  14. Rokunosuke
    Meaning: Sixth son helper
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-noh-skay
    Kanji: 六之助
  15. Rintarou
    Meaning: Dignified big son
    Pronunciation: Reen-tah-roh
    Kanji: 凛太郎
  16. Rokuhiko
    Meaning: Sixth noble child
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-hee-koh
    Kanji: 六彦
  17. Ryutaro
    Meaning: Dragon son
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-tah-roh
    Kanji: 隆太郎
  18. Reikichi
    Meaning: Blessed first son
    Pronunciation: Ray-kee-chee
    Kanji: 礼吉
  19. Rikihiko
    Meaning: Strong noble child
    Pronunciation: Ree-kee-hee-koh
    Kanji: 力彦
  20. Rokutarou
    Meaning: Sixth son (classic)
    Pronunciation: Roh-koo-tah-roh
    Kanji: 六太郎
  21. Ryuji
    Meaning: Prosperous second son
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-jee
    Kanji: 隆二
  22. Rikuto
    Meaning: Person of land
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-toh
    Kanji: 陸斗
  23. Ryutake
    Meaning: Dragon bamboo
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-tah-keh
    Kanji: 龍竹
  24. Retsutarou
    Meaning: Disciplined big son
    Pronunciation: Reh-tsu-tah-roh
    Kanji: 烈太郎
  25. Ryukichi
    Meaning: Lucky dragon
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-kee-chee
    Kanji: 隆吉

Spiritual Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Japanese names starting with “R” often carry spiritual, uplifting, or nature-inspired meanings, making them perfect for parents seeking a name with depth and positive energy. These names reflect qualities such as peace, wisdom, clarity, harmony, and connection to the divine, and they are chosen to inspire children throughout their lives.

Spiritual R-names like Reiki (beautiful radiance), Ryusei (shooting star), and Rensei (lotus star) evoke a sense of calm, guidance, and inner strength. They are not only meaningful but also elegant and harmonious in sound.

  1. Reiki
    Meaning: Beautiful radiance / Spiritual energy
    Pronunciation: Ray-kee
    Kanji: 麗輝 / 霊気
  2. Ryusei
    Meaning: Shooting star
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-seh
    Kanji: 流星
  3. Rensei
    Meaning: Lotus star
    Pronunciation: Ren-say
    Kanji: 蓮星
  4. Reiya
    Meaning: Beautiful arrow / Courtesy
    Pronunciation: Ray-yah
    Kanji: 嶺矢 / 礼矢
  5. Ryohsei
    Meaning: Clear star
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-say
    Kanji: 亮星
  6. Reito
    Meaning: Spirit and person
    Pronunciation: Ray-toh
    Kanji: 怜斗
  7. Raiki
    Meaning: Thunder tree / Strength
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-kee
    Kanji: 雷樹
  8. Ryousei
    Meaning: Cool star
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-say
    Kanji: 涼星
  9. Rikuya
    Meaning: Land and night / Grounded spirit
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-yah
    Kanji: 陸夜
  10. Reina
    Meaning: Wise and graceful
    Pronunciation: Ray-nah
    Kanji: 怜奈
  11. Rensuke
    Meaning: Lotus helper / Supportive energy
    Pronunciation: Ren-skeh
    Kanji: 蓮介
  12. Ryuka
    Meaning: Flowing flower / Gentle spirit
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-kah
    Kanji: 流花
  13. Raito
    Meaning: Thunder person / Light
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-toh
    Kanji: 雷斗
  14. Rion
    Meaning: Reason and sound / Mindful clarity
    Pronunciation: Ree-on
    Kanji: 理音
  15. Rikuo
    Meaning: Land and king / Stability
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-oh
    Kanji: 陸王
  16. Reiji
    Meaning: Courtesy and two / Ethical guidance
    Pronunciation: Ray-jee
    Kanji: 礼二
  17. Ryutaro
    Meaning: Dragon son / Noble heart
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-tah-roh
    Kanji: 隆太郎
  18. Rento
    Meaning: Lotus person / Connected soul
    Pronunciation: Ren-toh
    Kanji: 蓮都
  19. Ryuki
    Meaning: Dragon tree / Spiritual strength
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-kee
    Kanji: 龍樹
  20. Reita
    Meaning: Beautiful thick / Harmonious spirit
    Pronunciation: Ray-tah
    Kanji: 麗汰
  21. Raiga
    Meaning: Thunder fang / Protector
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-gah
    Kanji: 雷牙
  22. Rensei
    Meaning: Lotus star / Enlightened path
    Pronunciation: Ren-say
    Kanji: 蓮星
  23. Rikuhi
    Meaning: Land fire / Vital energy
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-hee
    Kanji: 陸火
  24. Rimaru
    Meaning: Circle of beauty / Harmony
    Pronunciation: Ree-mah-roo
    Kanji: 理丸
  25. Reina
    Meaning: Zero / Beginning / Spiritual rebirth
    Pronunciation: Ray-nah
    Kanji: 零奈

Rare Japanese Names That Start With “R”

Some Japanese names beginning with “R” are rarely used today, giving them a unique charm and a sense of individuality. These names often carry poetic, nature-inspired, or old-fashioned meanings that make them stand out from common choices. Perfect for parents looking for a name that is distinctive yet meaningful, these names are less likely to be repeated in schools or social circles.

  1. Rushika
    Meaning: Elegant fragrance
    Pronunciation: Roo-shee-kah
    Kanji: 瑠紫香
  2. Raiden
    Meaning: Thunder and lightning
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-den
    Kanji: 雷電
  3. Rensei
    Meaning: Lotus star
    Pronunciation: Ren-say
    Kanji: 蓮星
  4. Rikuto
    Meaning: Land and person
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-toh
    Kanji: 陸斗
  5. Raiga
    Meaning: Thunder fang
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-gah
    Kanji: 雷牙
  6. Reiya
    Meaning: Beautiful arrow
    Pronunciation: Ray-yah
    Kanji: 嶺矢
  7. Rento
    Meaning: Lotus person
    Pronunciation: Ren-toh
    Kanji: 蓮都
  8. Rikihiko
    Meaning: Strong noble child
    Pronunciation: Ree-kee-hee-koh
    Kanji: 力彦
  9. Ryusei
    Meaning: Shooting star
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-seh
    Kanji: 流星
  10. Ryoji
    Meaning: Good second son
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-jee
    Kanji: 良二
  11. Rikuya
    Meaning: Land and night
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-yah
    Kanji: 陸夜
  12. Raito
    Meaning: Coming person / Thunder person
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-toh
    Kanji: 来人 / 雷斗
  13. Rikuto
    Meaning: Land and person
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-toh
    Kanji: 陸翔
  14. Ryosei
    Meaning: Good star / Cool star
    Pronunciation: Ryoh-say
    Kanji: 良星 / 涼星
  15. Rumiya
    Meaning: Clear beauty
    Pronunciation: Roo-mee-yah
    Kanji: 瑠美夜
  16. Reito
    Meaning: Beautiful person / Spirit
    Pronunciation: Ray-toh
    Kanji: 麗斗 / 怜斗
  17. Rin
    Meaning: Dignified / Wheel
    Pronunciation: Reen
    Kanji: 凛 / 輪
  18. Rion
    Meaning: Jasmine sound / Reason and sound
    Pronunciation: Ree-on
    Kanji: 莉音 / 理音
  19. Ryutake
    Meaning: Dragon bamboo
    Pronunciation: Ryoo-tah-keh
    Kanji: 龍竹
  20. Rikuo
    Meaning: Land and king
    Pronunciation: Ree-koo-oh
    Kanji: 陸王
  21. Rikimaru
    Meaning: Strong circle
    Pronunciation: Ree-kee-mah-roo
    Kanji: 力丸
  22. Rento
    Meaning: Connection and person
    Pronunciation: Ren-toh
    Kanji: 連斗
  23. Rimaru
    Meaning: Circle of beauty
    Pronunciation: Ree-mah-roo
    Kanji: 理丸
  24. Raiku
    Meaning: Thunder sky
    Pronunciation: Rah-ee-koo
    Kanji: 雷空
  25. Retsutarou
    Meaning: Disciplined big son
    Pronunciation: Reh-tsu-tah-roh
    Kanji: 烈太郎

See Also: 105+ Japanese Names that Mean “Moon” For Boys & Girls

Things You Must Know About Japanese Names Starting With “R”

Japanese names that begin with “R” carry a unique charm and cultural significance. The Japanese “R” sound is softer than in English, often sounding like a mix between R, L, and D, giving these names a smooth, gentle, and elegant tone. This makes them appealing not just in Japan but also internationally.

Many R-names are chosen for their meaning, not just their sound. Names like Ren (lotus/love), Rina (jasmine), Rei (beautiful), and Riku (land) are popular because they convey positive qualities, nature elements, and virtues. Some names are traditional and historical, while others are modern and spiritual, allowing parents to select a name that aligns with heritage, personality, or aspirations.

R-names can be male, female, or unisex, offering versatility. They are often short, melodic, and easy to pronounce worldwide, making them excellent choices for families seeking global appeal. Additionally, many names allow for creative kanji combinations, giving each child a unique identity while maintaining cultural and linguistic elegance. Choosing an “R” name is not just about the letter — it’s about the story, character, and future your child will carry.

Our Suggestion: Before choosing any of these names for your baby, take a moment to explore their meanings and origins—it makes the choice even more special.”

Conclusion

Japanese names that start with “R” are more than just labels—they carry beauty, meaning, and a sense of tradition that can last for generations. Parents often choose these names with the hope that their children will grow up to reflect the qualities embedded in them, from strength and elegance to wisdom and harmony. With the creative use of kanji, you can make each R-name uniquely yours, whether you prefer something traditional, spiritual, or globally friendly like Rina or Risa. No connection to Japan is needed—focus on what feels right for your family, and let your child’s name inspire joy, pride, and a bright, meaningful future.

Faqs

Q: What is a rare R name?
A rare R name is Reo, a short Japanese name meaning “wise” or “excellent,” depending on kanji.

Q: Is Ryu an actual name?
Yes, Ryu is a real Japanese name meaning “dragon” and is used for boys.

Q: What does Jiro mean in Japanese?
Jirō (次郎) means “second son” in Japanese.

Q: What are some vintage R names?
Vintage R names include Ryota, Ryohei, Ritsu, and Renji, known for classic Japanese charm.

Q: What Japanese name starts with R?
Common R-starting Japanese names include Ren, Riko, Ritsu, Rina, Riku, and Ryusei.

Q: Which goddess name starts with R?
Rhea is a well-known goddess name, the mother of Olympian gods in Greek mythology.

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