Rory Name Meaning

Rory is a name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning “red king” or “ruler’s son.” It’s derived from the Gaelic name Ruairidh and was originally a masculine name. But in recent times, it’s become a popular choice for girls as well.

History of the Name Rory

In Ireland and Scotland, the name Rory has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The name was borne by several famous warriors and kings, including Ruairi mac Raghnaill, a 12th-century king of the Isles. The name also has ties to legendary figures in Irish and Scottish mythology, such as Fionn MacCumhail, a warrior and leader of the Fianna.

Popularity of the Name Rory

In the 20th century, the name Rory began to gain popularity outside of Ireland and Scotland. It was used as a character name in popular TV shows and movies, such as “Gilmore Girls” and “The Last Tycoon.” This increased exposure helped to make the name more well-known and beloved around the world.

In recent years, the name Rory has become increasingly popular for girls. This may be due in part to the rise of gender-neutral names, as well as the name’s strong, confident connotations. It’s a name that exudes sass and style, making it a perfect choice for a modern girl.

The name Rory has seen a steady rise in popularity over the past few decades. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the name has been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the United States since the 1990s. It’s also a popular choice in other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

Final Thoughts on the Name Rory

Rory is a name that exudes strength, confidence, and style. It’s a name with a rich history and a timeless appeal. Whether you’re a parent looking for a unique name for your daughter, or a fan of the TV show “Gilmore Girls,” Rory is a name that’s sure to stand the test of time.

In summary, Rory is a name that’s been around for centuries, but has recently gained popularity as a girls name. It has Irish and Scottish roots, and it means “red king” or “ruler’s son.” The name has been featured in popular TV shows and movies, and it’s been rising in popularity for girls. It’s a name that exudes strength, confidence, and style, and it’s a timeless choice for parents.

Infographic of Rory name meaning, which is Red king
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Rory Name Popularity

How popular is the name Rory? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 0 0%
1923 0 0%
1924 0 0%
1925 0 0%
1926 0 0%
1927 0 0%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 0 0%
1932 0 0%
1933 0 0%
1934 0 0%
1935 0 0%
1936 0 0%
1937 0 0%
1938 0 0%
1939 0 0%
1940 0 0%
1941 0 0%
1942 0 0%
1943 0 0%
1944 0 0%
1945 0 0%
1946 0 0%
1947 1,251 20 0.0012%
1948 1,293 17 0.0011%
1949 1,237 21 0.0013%
1950 1,464 11 0.0007%
1951 1,647 7 0.0004%
1952 0 0%
1953 1,733 7 0.0004%
1954 0 0%
1955 0 0%
1956 1,593 13 0.0007%
1957 2,123 5 0.0003%
1958 1,831 8 0.0004%
1959 2,183 5 0.0003%
1960 0 0%
1961 0 0%
1962 0 0%
1963 0 0%
1964 0 0%
1965 0 0%
1966 0 0%
1967 0 0%
1968 0 0%
1969 985 71 0.0046%
1970 1,799 15 0.0009%
1971 2,408 6 0.0004%
1972 1,685 18 0.0013%
1973 2,461 5 0.0004%
1974 0 0%
1975 2,727 5 0.0004%
1976 2,600 5 0.0004%
1977 1,970 15 0.0011%
1978 2,455 7 0.0005%
1979 0 0%
1980 2,989 5 0.0003%
1981 0 0%
1982 2,326 11 0.0007%
1983 3,168 5 0.0003%
1984 2,493 8 0.0005%
1985 2,467 10 0.0007%
1986 3,061 5 0.0003%
1987 2,878 7 0.0005%
1988 3,326 5 0.0003%
1989 2,863 10 0.0006%
1990 0 0%
1991 3,601 5 0.0003%
1992 3,646 5 0.0003%
1993 0 0%
1994 3,505 5 0.0003%
1995 0 0%
1996 2,628 12 0.0008%
1997 3,329 6 0.0004%
1998 2,576 14 0.0009%
1999 2,379 19 0.0013%
2000 1,892 39 0.0026%
2001 1,292 96 0.0064%
2002 1,059 147 0.0098%
2003 1,016 172 0.0113%
2004 1,118 148 0.0097%
2005 1,187 137 0.009%
2006 1,091 173 0.011%
2007 1,090 183 0.0116%
2008 968 219 0.0142%
2009 914 236 0.0158%
2010 991 194 0.0135%
2011 923 220 0.0154%
2012 953 204 0.0143%
2013 873 231 0.0162%
2014 788 288 0.0198%
2015 649 376 0.0258%
2016 617 418 0.029%
2017 546 489 0.035%
2018 543 492 0.0358%
2019 445 632 0.0467%
2020 459 624 0.049%
2021 392 705 0.0577%
2022 332 937 0.071%

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Maine (ME)

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Mississippi (MS)

Montana (MT)

North Carolina (NC)

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New York (NY)

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Washington (WA)

Wisconsin (WI)

West Virginia (WV)

Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Rory

If you like Rory, you’ll love these other names like Rory.


What names sound like Rory?

If you like how Rory sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Rory.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Rora

Dawn

Latin


What names are similar to Rory?

Find a name that’s like Rory, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Cory

Maiden; the hollow

Irish

Dory

Gilded

French

Kory

Hollow

Irish

Lory

The bay, or laurel plant

Latin

Romy

Diminutive of Rosemary and Rosemarie

German

Rosy

Rose

Latin

Rozy

Rose

Latin

Tory

Bird; victory

Latin


Lists With Rory

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Rory.


3 Comments

  1. Hoping to take the natural path

  2. Loved it!

  3. My dad’s name is Rory. He thinks it’s a boy name and fair point to him. However, my sister was snatching up all the family names so I had to grab this one quick.


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