Ava to Zeke,
We are expecting our first baby girl. I love gender neutral names but am open to all. One of the names we like is Reagan. Our last name is one syllable and starts with an R, and we are considering RHR as initials, but we’re open to exploring other options. Can you help us with thinking up some new suggestions?
Thanks!
This is a fun one! We like working with initial patterns like this.
For your list, we’re going to work within the “modern surname” style, which is how I’d categorize Reagan and which is trending now as parents (like you) want uncommon, gender-neutral names for their children.
Keeping this style in mind, our top R- name picks for you are Rae, Ryan/Ryann, Riley, Raleigh, and Rowan. For H- names, we like Harlowe, Hollis, Hadley, and Halle.
Since you’re starting with a specific initial pattern, you might try mixing and matching these names and any other R- and H- names you like, as if they’re puzzle pieces. What combinations can you make to get the RHR you like so much? Which ones seem to click together?
These are our favorites:
- Rowan Halle
- Ryan Harlowe
- Reagan Hollis
- Rae Hadley
SO many gorgeous combos!
Now let’s expand our options a bit by moving outside the “modern surname” style. After all, we all have those names we love that are outside our typical style preferences. So, here are some other R- and H- names we’re partial to. They’re a bit more classic/vintage, but we think they could be contenders!
- Raquel
- Ramona
- Regina
- Rosalie
- Rosie
- Ruby
- Hannah
- Harriet
- Hattie
- Hazel
- Holly
- Holland
Now, if you decide not to do the RHR initial pattern, here are some other names that we think are similar in feel to Reagan and that may work with your last name:
- Arden
- Avery
- Brynn
- Camille
- Delaney
- Ellery
- Emerson
- Jensen
- Kennedy
- Linden
- Marley
- Peyton
- Sadie
- Sheridan
- Sloane
- Sutton
- Sydney
- Tatum
And finally, a couple tips:
Often when choosing a baby name, we tend to say the full name (including middle) aloud to find that perfect rhythm. But we always advise not stressing the sound of the full-name combination, since it’s the first and last that will be used almost exclusively by others. A first and last name that both start with R may have a strong repetitive sound and look, especially if they have the same syllable counts. You’ll want to consider whether that repetition is something you like.
Also, while it might be a little nitpicky, remember that in traditional monograms–which feature a center initial that is larger than the other two– the larger initial is used for the last name. So, for initials RHR, the monogram will read RRH. Yes, it’s a bit neurotic to be thinking of monograms at this point in the process, but if it’s the look of RHR that appeals to you, it might be something to keep in mind.
Thanks for letting us tackle your name question, and congrats on your family-member-to-be!
💕 Ava to Zeke
Readers, what are your favorites? What would you name little RHR?
If you want baby name advice or have baby-naming stories to share, we’re here to listen. Send us an email or DM us on Instagram, or check out our Consultation page.