Rory
Gender: Unisex
Meaning: Red king or red-haired ruler
Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic
Popularity: Ranked #199 in 2025 with 1,768 babies born.
History: Rory is an anglicized form of the Gaelic 'Ruairí' or 'Ruairidh,' combining 'ruadh' (red) and 'rí' (king), meaning red king. It was borne by Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland in the 12th century. It has long been popular in Ireland and Scotland and has gained modern traction in the United States as a spirited, Celtic-flavored name.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Rory? About 1 in 1,074 babies born in 2025 were named Rory, or roughly 8.5 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Rory
What does the name Rory mean?
Rory means “Red king or red-haired ruler” from Irish/Scottish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Rory?
Rory has Irish/Scottish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Red king or red-haired ruler”.
How popular is Rory?
Rory ranked #199 in 2025 — given to 1,768 babies that year.
When was Rory most popular?
Rory peaked in 2025 with 1,768 babies registered that year.
Is Rory a boy or girl name?
Rory is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 73% of Rorys are boys and 27% are girls.
Is the name Rory rising or falling in popularity?
Rory has risen 259 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #458 in 2020 to #199 in 2025.
How long has Rory been recorded?
Rory appears in birth records across 88 years — from 1933 through 2025.