Irish Girls First Names that Start with R

If you’re looking for a girls name that starts with R then you might want to choose a queenlyname like Ríona or something more modern like Roisianne which is a mix of ‘little rose’ and ‘grace’.

⭐ Our Favourite: Ríoghnach

Pronunciation: ree-uh-nakh
First Used: Early medieval Ireland
Meaning: Meaning “queenly” or “ruler,” Ríoghnach is a rare yet powerful Irish name. It was borne by a legendary warrior queen, symbolizing strength, leadership, and resilience.
Why It’s Our Favourite: This name stands out for its commanding presence and deep historical roots. Unlike many Irish names associated with saints or poets, Ríoghnach evokes the image of a fierce and formidable leader, making it a truly unique and empowering choice.

🌹 Róisín

Pronunciation: ro-sheen
Meaning: A beloved Irish name meaning “little rose,” Róisín has been used since the 16th century, famously appearing in the patriotic song Róisín Dubh. It symbolizes beauty and resilience, making it a timeless favorite in Ireland.

✨ Rút

Pronunciation: root
Meaning: The Irish form of Ruth, meaning “companion” or “friend,” Rút has biblical roots and conveys loyalty. Though not as common in Ireland, it has an enduring, simple elegance that makes it a cross-cultural choice.

🌺 Roisin

Pronunciation: ro-sheen
Meaning: Another spelling of Róisín, this name carries the same “little rose” meaning. It was historically a poetic symbol of Ireland itself, often used in literature to represent the nation in times of oppression.

👑 Riona

Pronunciation: ree-na
Meaning: A regal name derived from Ríona, meaning “queenly” or “royal,” it embodies nobility and strength. It has been used in Ireland for centuries, often linked to the Gaelic word rí, meaning “king.”

💮 Róisín-Marie

Pronunciation: ro-sheen ma-ree
Meaning: A combination of “little rose” and the timeless Marie, this name blends Irish and French influences. It brings together the poetic symbolism of Róisín with the classic grace of Marie, making it a unique and elegant choice.

📜 Rosaleen

Pronunciation: ro-suh-leen
Meaning: An anglicized form of Róisín, Rosaleen gained prominence through James Clarence Mangan’s 19th-century poem Dark Rosaleen, where it represented Ireland itself. A name rich in literary and historical significance.

🌟 Réaltín

Pronunciation: rayl-teen
Meaning: Meaning “little star,” this celestial name is a modern yet poetic Irish choice. It evokes imagery of brightness, guidance, and dreams. Often used in literature and poetry, Réaltín shines as a unique and enchanting name.

👑 Ríona

Pronunciation: ree-na
Meaning: Another form of Ríona, derived from the Irish rí, meaning “king” or “queenly.” It has been a name of nobility for centuries, evoking an air of grace and power.

🎭 Ríoghna

Pronunciation: ree-uh-na
Meaning: A rare and noble Irish name meaning “queen” or “sovereign,” Ríoghna carries a strong and dignified presence. It has an almost mythical quality, fitting for a leader or someone with a bold personality.

🌷 Roisianne

Pronunciation: ro-shee-anne
Meaning: A modern blend of Róisín (“little rose”) and Anne (“grace”), Roisianne carries both floral charm and timeless elegance. While rare, it offers a uniquely Irish twist on classic names, making it a distinctive yet familiar choice.

✨ Réaltán

Pronunciation: rayl-tawn
Meaning: Meaning “little star,” Réaltán has a celestial and poetic feel, often used in Irish literature. It symbolizes guidance and inspiration, much like the stars that ancient Irish travelers relied upon. A radiant and magical name.

🏰 Rómhnaigh

Pronunciation: ro-nee
Meaning: A rare Irish name with historical weight, Rómhnaigh is linked to early Gaelic roots, possibly referencing Rome (Róimh in Irish) or noble heritage. It evokes a sense of tradition, strength, and ancestry.

Irish Boys First Names that Start with R

There are some really unique and interesting names for boys, including Ruairí which means ‘red-haired king’ and Ríordán which was the name for a royal poet back in the day.

⭐ Our Favourite: Ruaidhrí (Rory)

Pronunciation: roar-ee
First Used: Ancient Ireland, pre-12th century
Meaning: Meaning “red king,” Ruaidhrí was a name of power and prestige, famously borne by Ruaidhrí Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland. It signifies leadership, nobility, and a fiery spirit.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Ruaidhrí embodies the legacy of Irish royalty and strength. It’s a name that has endured for centuries, maintaining its regal essence while being accessible and widely recognized today. A true name of kings.

⚔️ Ryan (Rian)

Pronunciation: rye-an
Meaning: Derived from Rian, meaning “little king” or “illustrious one,” Ryan has deep Gaelic roots. Once a noble surname, it became popular as a first name in Ireland and beyond, with figures like actor Ryan O’Neal making it globally recognizable.

🦭 Ronan (Rónán)

Pronunciation: ro-nan
Meaning: Meaning “little seal,” Ronan comes from early Irish saints and warriors. Seals were revered in Irish mythology, often linked to selkies—mystical shapeshifters. Famous bearers include writer Ronan Farrow and Saint Rónán, an early Irish missionary.

🏇 Rory (Ruaidhrí)

Pronunciation: roar-ee
Meaning: Meaning “red king,” Rory has royal ties, notably to Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland. The name exudes power and resilience, popularized worldwide by figures like golfer Rory McIlroy.

🏰 Ruairi (Ruairí)

Pronunciation: roo-ree
Meaning: A strong Gaelic name meaning “red-haired king,” Ruairí was used by ancient Irish chieftains. It remains popular in Ireland and Scotland, with notable bearers including Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, a political leader.

🛡️ Robert (Roibeárd)

Pronunciation: roh-baird
Meaning: The Irish form of Robert, meaning “bright fame,” Roibeárd was introduced by the Normans and adopted into Gaelic tradition. Robert Emmet, the Irish revolutionary, made the name a symbol of patriotism.

🏹 Richard (Risteárd)

Pronunciation: rish-tard
Meaning: Meaning “brave ruler,” Risteárd was brought to Ireland by the Normans but became fully integrated into Gaelic culture. Richard Harris, the renowned Irish actor, brought global recognition to the name.

🌿 Ross (Ros)

Pronunciation: ross
Meaning: Meaning “headland” or “wooded promontory,” Ross is a nature-inspired Irish name. It has both geographical and historical significance, seen in places like Ross Castle and figures like Ross O’Carroll-Kelly in Irish satire.

🦭 Ronan (Rónán)

Pronunciation: ro-nan
Meaning: A second mention of Ronan, reiterating its ties to seals and mythology. The name’s mystical connections and strong cultural history keep it timeless and widely used.

📖 Riordan (Ríordán)

Pronunciation: reer-dan
Meaning: Meaning “royal poet,” Ríordán comes from rí (king) and bardán (poet). The Irish bardic tradition was highly respected, and the name carries a literary legacy, seen in the poet Seán Ó Ríordáin.

🏹 Risteárd (Richard)

Pronunciation: rish-tard
Meaning: The Irish form of Richard, meaning “brave ruler.” Introduced by the Normans, it became well-rooted in Ireland. A name of leaders and warriors, it was borne by Richard de Clare (Strongbow), a key figure in Irish history.

🌟 Réaltán

Pronunciation: rayl-tawn
Meaning: Meaning “little star,” Réaltán shines as a poetic and celestial name. Used in Irish literature and folklore, it symbolizes guidance and inspiration, much like the constellations that guided ancient seafarers.

⚔️ Ríoghnán

Pronunciation: ree-uh-nawn
Meaning: Meaning “little king,” Ríoghnán is an ancient name with noble connotations. It was used by Gaelic rulers and chieftains, symbolizing authority and prestige. Though rare today, it retains an air of majesty.

🔥 Ruadhán

Pronunciation: roo-awn
Meaning: Derived from ruadh, meaning “red-haired,” Ruadhán was a name given to many early Irish saints, including Saint Ruadhán of Lorrha. It carries both spiritual and fiery energy, making it a name of passion and wisdom.

🏰 Ruarc

Pronunciation: roo-ark
Meaning: An old Irish name meaning “mighty protector,” Ruarc was borne by ancient kings and warriors. It is the root of the surname O’Rourke, a name deeply tied to Irish history and nobility.

🛡️ Riobard (Robert)

Pronunciation: ree-bard
Meaning: The Irish form of Robert, meaning “bright fame.” It was used in medieval Ireland, with figures like Riobard O’Flaherty, a historian and noble, giving the name historical weight.

🌹 Rosín

Pronunciation: ro-sheen
Meaning: A variant of Róisín, meaning “little rose,” Rosín carries poetic charm and natural beauty. It was historically used as a symbol of Ireland in songs and poetry, reflecting the nation’s enduring spirit.

We hope you found our research helpful. If you’d like to continue exploring Irish names then we have a wealth of resources for you.