Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Most Popular Cat Names That Start With R: Popular Male & Female Ideas

Share

Most Popular Cat Names That Start With R

Adopting a new cat is exciting and fun, but one of the first things a new cat owner must do is choose a fitting name. There are literally tons of ways you can go about this task, such as naming your cat after your favorite TV character or musician. Or you could choose one of your favorite letters and choose a fitting name from there. Speaking of letters, the letter R gives many name opportunities, and if you’re searching for a cat name, why not check out our list of the most popular ones?

Let’s check out the most popular cat names that start with the letter R so you can be on your way to naming your new beloved feline.

divider 3 paws

The 10 Most Popular Cat Names That Start With R

To start us off, we wanted to give you a short list of the current most popular cat names that start with R. They are:

1. Rocky

According to Rover’s pet name database, Rocky is the most popular name starting with R and the 30th most popular name overall.


2. Romeo

Coming in a close second is the Shakespearean-inspired Romeo, landing at #35 on the list.


3. Rusty

Rusty doesn’t crack the top 50 of Rover’s national database, but it appears with enough frequency to crack the top 10 in the letter R.


4. Rascal

This one feels a bit old school, but we’ll take their word for it. Rascal is a good unisex name for a mischievous kitty.


5. Rocket

No doubt related to the rise in popularity of The Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket has staying power among cat parents.

Young marble Bengal cat on a cat tree
Image Credit: Smile19, Shutterstock

6. Riley

Another unisex name that’s gaining traction from sports and movies, Riley is an up and coming favorite!


7. Rudy

Rudy is a fun, lighthearted name that suits an easy-going kitten of either sex.


8. Rex

Traditionally more of a dog’s name, Rex is apparently very popular for cats, coming it at #8 overall for top cat names starting with R.


9. Rufus

From the Latin for “long-haired”, we get Rufus, another fun name for a rambunctious kitty.


10. Roscoe

It may not be trending like some of the quirkier names on this list, Roscoe is still going strong.

divider 1 paws

Other Great Names That Start With R

Are you still trying to figure it out, or have yet to see a name that sticks out? If so, here are more great names that start with R to help you even further. Some of the following names can work for both male and female cats, so let’s take a peek.

  • Richard
  • Roman
  • Roy
  • Rasta
  • Roma
  • Rupert
  • Ren
  • Rory
  • Ricky
  • Ranger
  • Roger
  • Rocco
  • Rio
  • Rico
  • Roo
  • River
  • Rambo
  • Red
  • Robin
  • Reese
  • Ryder
  • Racer
  • Rafferty
  • Ragamuffin
  • Raider
  • Rainbow
  • Ralphie
  • Ravioli
  • Razzle
  • Reverend
  • Rhino
  • Rhubarb
  • Rhythm
  • Richocet
  • Riddles
  • Riesling
  • Rigatoni
  • Rockefeller
  • Rocketman
  • Rogue
  • Rolex
  • Rolo
  • Romper
  • Romulus
  • Ronnie
  • Rookie
  • Ross
  • Rosso
  • Rowdy
  • Rudikens
  • Rugrat
  • Rum
  • Rumchata

cream norwegian forest cat outdoors
Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

Male Cat Names That Start With R

Do you have a new male kitty in your life? If so, we’ve compiled a list of male names that may suit your handsome male cat. Whether your make is laid back or rambunctious, you may just find the best name to capture his character. Take a look below!

  • Radcliff
  • Rafael
  • Raffy
  • Rage
  • Raiden
  • Raku
  • Ramirez
  • Ramone
  • Randolph
  • Raoul
  • Raptor
  • Rapunzel
  • Raven
  • Rawlins
  • Ray
  • Raymond
  • Reaper
  • Rebel
  • Reed
  • Reggie
  • Reject
  • Remo
  • Remus
  • Ren
  • Renegade
  • Renny
  • Rhett
  • Ricardo
  • Rigby
  • Riker
  • Ringo
  • Rolf
  • Rollie
  • Ronen
  • Rowan
  • Rowdy
  • Rueben
  • Runo
  • Russ
  • Russell

lilac colored cat lying on the floor
Image Credit by: Julija Sulkovska, Shutterstock

divider 1 paws

Female Cat Names That Start With R

So, what if you have a new female kitty? Is your new female cat a diva? Maybe she’s laid back and sweet. Whatever the case, maybe our list will help you choose the most fitting name for your female feline. Let’s check them out!

  • Rachel
  • Radley
  • Rae
  • Raegan
  • Raelynn
  • Rain
  • Raisin
  • Raleigh
  • Ramona
  • Randi
  • Raz
  • Rea
  • Reba
  • Regina
  • Remedy
  • Remi
  • Renee
  • Revel
  • Rhapsody
  • Rhia
  • Rhiannon
  • Rhonda
  • Richelle
  • Ripley
  • Rita
  • Rivet
  • Riz
  • Rizzo
  • Roberta
  • Roe
  • Romy
  • Rooney
  • Rosalind
  • Rose
  • Rosella
  • Rosemary
  • Rosie
  • Rowena
  • Roxanne
  • Roxie
  • Roz
  • Rozalyn
  • Ruby
  • Rue
  • Runa
  • Ruth
  • Ruthie
  • Rynn

tabby cats sitting on windowsill
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

How to Name Your Cat

Before we look at the list of names, let’s discuss the best ways to go about choosing the perfect name. A cat’s personality can be quirky, funny, quiet, moody, grumpy, mischievous, happy—the list goes on. We’ve found that the best way to name your new cat is to observe his or her personality. Is your new kitty rambunctious? Maybe he or she is super chill. Whatever the case, you can have fun picking a name that suits your new cat’s disposition and temperament. That said, let’s begin looking at cat names!

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

We hope our list of cat names helps you choose the most fitting name for your new kitty. If nothing sticks out so far, remember to give it a little time to observe your new kitty’s characteristics and personality. Sometimes, it just takes time to come up with the perfect name, but in time, you’ll find the most fitting name of them all!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Help a Cat With Hairballs

Cats spend an astonishing amount of time grooming. It is part hygiene routine, part comfort ritual, and part instinct that traces back generations....

What a CATastrophe! A Tire-ing Ordeal For a Pony in the UK

As you would expect, our weekly news updates are usually centered around feline topics – we are a cat care website after all...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Has Stopped Eat His Wet Food! (June 1, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Chatting About Fake News in the Pet World, AI Again, and New Age Journalism | Chatty Cattys, Episode 23

Navigating the modern digital landscape requires a sharp eye to distinguish fact from fiction. In this episode of Catster’s podcast, Chatty Cattys, Nicole...

More related

Are Frosty Ferns Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Frosty ferns are delicate light green plants popular with gardeners everywhere. Its shimmery new sprouts make the entire plant look like it’s been...

Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (April 10, 2025)

This Week’s Winner Silliest Most Dignified Best Action Shot Sleepiest Most Expressive Cutest Enter Your Cat Submit your kitty for a chance to...

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day 2026: How and When Is It Celebrated?

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day comes around every year on September 1st. Chris Roy came up with the idea to commemorate his sweet 15-pound...

Can You Spay a Pregnant Cat? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Recommendations

If you’re in a situation where you are asking this question, odds are you either have a rescue on your hands or, somehow,...

Keep reading

Can Stress Cause a Heart Murmur in My Cat? Here’s What You Should Know

Normal, healthy cats can get temporary heart murmurs due to stress1. The adrenaline and cortisol released into their bloodstream in stressful situations cause temporary changes to their cardiovascular system. However, this isn’t necessarily a problem. The heartbeat goes back to...

nebelung cat in vet clinic

10 Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Providing proper nutrition during kittenhood is the best way to ensure you’re laying the foundation for your new pet’s optimal health and longevity. An appropriate diet ensures your kitten grows healthfully, optimizing their immune function and minimizing the likelihood of...

little ginger kitten eats wet food on a plate

What Behavioral Changes Can I Expect from an Older Cat? Vet Verified

If you’ve spent many years with your cat and they’ve suddenly started to act and do things differently, it could be because of their old age. Cats typically have a lifespan of 12–18 years (although some live much longer) and...

Closeup portrait of old calico cat lying down by kitchen on tiled floor in home

Why Does My Cat Purr When They’re Asleep? Vet-Reviewed Feline Behavior

Is there anything sweeter than seeing a cat curled up in a cozy nook, purring in their sleep? We can’t think of much that beats it. But if you’ve ever wondered why cats purr in their sleep—and if they’re really...

cat under porch sleeping

Are TNR Programs for Feral Cats Ethical? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Roughly 3.3 million cats enter shelters annually, with many of these cats being euthanized.1 Many felines are strays that escaped their homes, with some thankfully being reunited with their families. However, feral cats are another story. They’re essentially wild animals...

kittens in a cage of a shelter for homeless animals

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Pooping? Vet-Verified Causes & Solutions

Cats are extremely routine-based animals, and if you watch them long enough, you will notice that they do certain things at the same time each day and can be accurate even down to the minute. This is so true that...

woman-teaching-cat-to-uese-litter-box

How Much Water Does a Cat Need per Day? Vet-Approved Facts & Health Tips

Like humans, cats require access to fresh drinking water, which is essential for proper body functioning and optimum health. Water helps cats maintain good health and flush out toxins from their systems while aiding their digestion and circulation. Without enough...

cat dipping its paw in water bowl

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Yes, cats can eat pumpkin. It isn’t suitable as their whole diet or even most of their diet. However, it can be a nice treat or be used in specific circumstances to add nutrients to your cat’s diet. Pumpkin has...

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.