Shih Tzu Names Starting With R

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate lap dogs with big personalities—and they deserve names that match their charm. R names offer a sweet spot between playful and dignified, suiting the breed's royal heritage and friendly demeanor. Whether you're drawn to classic names like Rory and Riley, or something more distinctive like Rajah or Rosie, this list captures 50 real names people actually use for Shih Tzus. Many R names work beautifully for both males and females, and several carry cultural significance or fun meanings that pair perfectly with this intelligent, spirited breed.

1. Roryvery popularIrish name meaning 'red king,' works well for male and female Shih Tzus with confident personalities.
2. Rileyvery popularEnglish surname-turned-first-name meaning 'courageous' or 'wood clearing,' ideal for playful Shih Tzus.
3. RajahpopularSanskrit name meaning 'king' or 'prince,' befits the Shih Tzu's regal bearing and imperial Chinese origins.
4. Rosievery popularEnglish name meaning 'rose,' perfect for feminine, sweet-natured Shih Tzus.
5. RockypopularAmerican name meaning 'strong' and 'sturdy,' suits confident or mischievous Shih Tzu boys.
6. Rubyvery popularGemstone name symbolizing love and passion, vibrant choice for spirited female Shih Tzus.
7. RustypopularEnglish name referring to reddish-brown color, ideal for Shih Tzus with tan or red markings.
8. RemytrendingFrench name meaning 'oarsman' or 'remedy,' increasingly trendy for elegant Shih Tzus.
9. RascalpopularEnglish word meaning 'mischievous person,' perfect for playful, spirited Shih Tzu personalities.
10. RangerpopularEnglish name meaning 'wanderer' or 'caretaker,' suits protective Shih Tzu personalities.
11. RivertrendingNature name symbolizing flow and calm, elegant choice for serene or fluid Shih Tzus.
12. RonniepopularScottish diminutive of Ronald meaning 'ruler's advisor,' casual and friendly for either gender.
13. ReubenrareHebrew name meaning 'behold, a son,' classic choice for male Shih Tzus with warm personalities.
14. RipleytrendingEnglish surname meaning 'rippling stream,' strong yet graceful for both male and female Shih Tzus.
15. RosalindrareGermanic name meaning 'pretty rose,' romantic and charming for elegant female Shih Tzus.
16. RocketpopularModern name evoking speed and energy, suits quick, lively Shih Tzu personalities.
17. RowantrendingScottish Gaelic name meaning 'little redhead' or from rowan tree, nature-inspired and unisex.
18. RufuspopularLatin name meaning 'red,' classic choice for red or apricot Shih Tzus.
19. RaquelrareSpanish name meaning 'lamb,' sweet and gentle for female Shih Tzus.
20. RascalinarareFeminine form of Rascal, playful and whimsical for mischievous female Shih Tzus.
21. RoscoepopularNorse name meaning 'deer forest,' vintage-masculine choice with old-Hollywood appeal.
22. RouxrareFrench culinary term and color, elegant choice for cream or light-colored Shih Tzus.
23. ReginaldrareLatin name meaning 'ruler' or 'king's advisor,' regal and formal for dignified Shih Tzus.
24. RemitrendingShort form of Remington or Remy, modern and sleek for contemporary Shih Tzu owners.
25. RedmondrareIrish name meaning 'wise protector,' strong choice for protective male Shih Tzus.
26. RosettarareItalian diminutive of Rosa meaning 'little rose,' vintage-romantic for female Shih Tzus.
27. RebelpopularEnglish word meaning 'one who resists,' ideal for independent or spirited Shih Tzus.
28. RaidentrendingJapanese name meaning 'thunder god,' powerful choice for energetic small dogs.
29. RavenpopularEnglish name from the bird, mysterious and sleek for dark-colored Shih Tzus.
30. RascaletterareFeminine diminutive of Rascal, ultra-playful for spirited girl Shih Tzus.
31. RondorareMusical term referring to repeated sections, elegant for harmonious Shih Tzus.
32. RajapopularHindi/Sanskrit name meaning 'king,' regal option for male Shih Tzus.
33. RamonarareSpanish name meaning 'wise protector,' graceful for female Shih Tzus.
34. Rory BluerareCombination name: Rory with 'Blue' as middle, whimsical for creative owners.
35. RaphaelrareHebrew name meaning 'God heals,' artistic and spiritual for thoughtful Shih Tzus.
36. RoslynrareScottish name meaning 'rose lake,' soft and ethereal for gentle female Shih Tzus.
37. RogantrendingIrish name meaning 'red-haired,' strong and Celtic for either gender.
38. ReesepopularWelsh name meaning 'ardent' or 'fiery,' spirited choice for passionate Shih Tzus.
39. RousseaurareFrench surname meaning 'red,' philosophical and artistic for cultured owners.
40. RosetterareFrench name meaning 'little rose,' delicate and feminine for graceful Shih Tzus.
41. RansomrareEnglish name meaning 'shield warrior,' strong and protective for male Shih Tzus.
42. RiahtrendingModern name, variation of Rhea, fresh and contemporary for either gender.
43. RoxipopularModern spelling of Roxy meaning 'dawn' in Greek, vibrant for lively Shih Tzus.
44. RegentrareEnglish title word meaning 'one who rules,' dignified for authoritative Shih Tzus.
45. RiopopularSpanish word meaning 'river,' short and punchy for energetic Shih Tzus.
46. RikkipopularModern variation of Ricky, playful and casual for spirited Shih Tzus.
47. RaffertyrareIrish name meaning 'prosperity' and 'abundance,' lucky choice for happy Shih Tzus.
48. ReverierareFrench word meaning 'daydream,' poetic choice for dreamy, relaxed Shih Tzus.
49. RheapopularGreek name meaning 'flowing stream' or from goddess, gentle and natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What R names work best for both male and female Shih Tzus?

Names like Rory, Riley, Remy, Reese, Rowan, and Rio work beautifully for either gender. These unisex R names suit the breed's balanced personality and are easy to call across both sexes. Many owners also use traditionally masculine or feminine names regardless of their dog's gender based on personal preference.

Are there R names that suit the Shih Tzu's royal heritage?

Absolutely. Rajah, Raja, Rory, Reginald, Regent, and Ransom all emphasize the breed's imperial Chinese origins and dignified temperament. Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, so regal R names pair perfectly with their natural elegance and proud bearing.

Which R names are currently trending for Shih Tzus?

Remy, River, Ripley, Rogan, Raiden, and Riah are among today's trending choices for small-breed owners. Modern, nature-inspired, and literary R names increasingly appeal to owners seeking something distinctive yet easy to pronounce and remember.

Can I use R names if my Shih Tzu has red or tan coloring?

Yes, several R names reference color directly. Rusty, Rufus, Roux, and Rory (meaning 'red king') all suit red or apricot-colored Shih Tzus perfectly. These names create a natural connection between your dog's appearance and their identity.

What makes a good R name for a Shih Tzu personality?

Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and dignified, so R names work best when they balance these traits. Playful options like Rascal, Rocky, and Rebel suit spirited dogs, while Rory, Rajah, and Remy complement their calm, affectionate side. Choose based on your individual dog's temperament.