Rachel
From the Hebrew for ewe, a symbol of gentleness and innocence. In the Book of Genesis, Rachel was beautiful and well-favoured.

Richard
This name first appears in Anglo-Saxon as Ricehard, meaning strong ruler, and was later developed into Ricard. It was the Normans who spread the present form.

Robert
The name is derived from the Old German meaning famous and bright. King Robert the Bruce popularised the name in Scotland where it has the local short forms Rab and Rabbie.

Rowan
From the Irish Ruadhan, meaning little red (haired) one. It was the name of an Irish saint. Once used exclusively for boys, it is now also found as a girl’s name.

Raymond
From the Old German meaning counsel protection. The Normans brought the name to Britain and it was particularly popular in crusading times. Two 13th Century saints bore the name.

Rebecca
In the Old Testament Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and was famous for her beauty. It was a favourite name among Puritans, who took it to North America.

Rose (Rosie)
There are many variations to this name but all come from the name Rose. This flower, the symbol of the Virgin Mary, has been the most popular of all flower names. The Normans brought the name to England.

Ryan
Ryan is a common Irish surname meaning little king. It is now used as a first name.
Its spread was greatly helped by the success of the film star Ryan O’Neal.

Ross
From the Gaelic for of the peninsula, and the name of a Scottish clan. It has been most used in Scotland and Ireland, Canada and Australia.

Rhyse
An old Welsh name meaning rashness, ardour. It has had many famous bearers, including a Prince Rhys who checked the Norman advance into Wales.
The name’s popularity increased rapidly in the mid-1990s with the alternative spelling Reece.