Rory Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Rory Name Meaning

Fact: Rory has strong Irish roots and was a popular name among Irish kings, such as the 12th-century King Rory O’Connor​

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Rory Overview

Meaning

Red King

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Irish

Etymology

Has Gaelic roots, derived from the Irish name “Ruaidhrí,” combining “ruadh” (red) and “rí” (king), with strong historical ties to Irish and Scottish royalty.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈrɔːri/

Popularity

Rory is embraced in Ireland and Scotland, and has found its way to other English-speaking countries. In 2023, Rory ranked #309 for boys and #579 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Exotic, Cute, Cool, Short

Associated Traits

Lively, charming, energetic

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with Irish and Scottish heritage, symbolizing leadership and nobility.

Name Day

October 4 (Ireland)
A Deep Dive

Rory Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Rori, Rorie, Rorey, Rorry, Ruari

Common Nicknames

Rorito, Roro, Rorik, Roryboy

Diminutives

Ro, Ror, Ry, Ree, Rork

Famous People

  • Rory McIlroy
    (Northern Irish Golfer)
  • Rory Kennedy
    (American Documentary Filmmaker)
  • Rory Culkin
    (American Actor)
  • Rory Kinnear
    (British Actor)
  • Rory Gallagher
    (Irish Musician)
  • Rory O'Malley
    (American Actor)
  • Rory Best
    (Irish Rugby Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Rory Gilmore
    ("Gilmore Girls," TV Series)
  • Rory Williams
    ("Doctor Who," TV Series)
  • Rory Breaker
    ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," Film)
  • Rory McIlroy
    ("Rory McIlroy PGA Tour," Video Game)
  • Rory Jansen
    ("The Words," Film)

What Is the Meaning of Rory?

Rory denotes “red king” or “red-haired king.” The name suggests a personality that is regal, passionate, and vibrant.

What Is the Origin of The Name Rory?

The name Rory has Gaelic roots, derived from the Irish name “Ruaidhrí,” which combines “ruadh” (red) and “rí” (king). It has strong historical ties to Irish and Scottish royalty, portraying its noble etymology.

Rory Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Rory in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2952021#2802022#2422023
Top 3 Rankings#2422023#2801959#2802022

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Rory

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023242
(+38 from 2022)
1442
(+214 from 2022)
0.07875
2022280
(+15 from 2021)
1228
(+94 from 2021)
0.06556
2021295
(+35 from 2020)
1134
(+139 from 2020)
0.06053
2020330
(+28 from 2019)
995
(+71 from 2019)
0.05379
2019358
(+10 from 2018)
924
(+40 from 2018)
0.04808
2018368
(+11 from 2017)
884
(+23 from 2017)
0.04548
2017379
(+7 from 2016)
861
(+34 from 2016)
0.04350
2016386
(-7 from 2015)
827
(-26 from 2015)
0.04083
2015379
(+36 from 2014)
853
(+105 from 2014)
0.04172
2014415
(+44 from 2013)
748
(+138 from 2013)
0.03650
2013459
(+22 from 2012)
610
(+46 from 2012)
0.03019
2012481
(+118 from 2011)
564
(+151 from 2011)
0.02779
2011599
(+147 from 2010)
413
(+109 from 2010)
0.02033
2010746
(+9 from 2009)
304
(+1 from 2009)
0.01480
2009755
(+28 from 2008)
303
(+22 from 2008)
0.01429
2008783
(+42 from 2007)
281
(+21 from 2007)
0.01289
2007825
(+2 from 2006)
260
(+14 from 2006)
0.01174
2006827
(-110 from 2005)
246
(-37 from 2005)
0.01122
2005717
(+5 from 2004)
283
(+19 from 2004)
0.01330
2004722
(-77 from 2003)
264
(-52 from 2003)
0.01249
2003645
(+52 from 2002)
316
(+58 from 2002)
0.01504
2002697
(+42 from 2001)
258
(+22 from 2001)
0.01248
2001739
(-108 from 2000)
236
(-54 from 2000)
0.01141
2000631
(-3 from 1999)
290
(+3 from 1999)
0.01389
1999628
(-20 from 1998)
287
(-15 from 1998)
0.01408
1998608
(+69 from 1997)
302
(+62 from 1997)
0.01489
1997677
(-1 from 1996)
240
(-2 from 1996)
0.01201
1996676
(+74 from 1995)
242
(+38 from 1995)
0.01208
1995750
(-53 from 1994)
204
(-19 from 1994)
0.01014
1994697
(-15 from 1993)
223
(-5 from 1993)
0.01094
1993682
(-57 from 1992)
228
(-45 from 1992)
0.01104
1992625
(-70 from 1991)
273
(-61 from 1991)
0.01301
1991555
(-43 from 1990)
334
(-39 from 1990)
0.01576
1990512
(-32 from 1989)
373
(-22 from 1989)
0.01733
1989480
(-33 from 1988)
395
(-11 from 1988)
0.01885
1988447
(+1 from 1987)
406
(+16 from 1987)
0.02028
1987448
(-42 from 1986)
390
(-54 from 1986)
0.02000
1986406
(-41 from 1985)
444
(-58 from 1985)
0.02310
1985365
(-26 from 1984)
502
(-47 from 1984)
0.02609
1984339
(+2 from 1983)
549
(+14 from 1983)
0.02925
1983341
(-60 from 1982)
535
(-200 from 1982)
0.02871
1982281
(+112 from 1981)
735
(+309 from 1981)
0.03895
1981393
(+45 from 1980)
426
(+71 from 1980)
0.02287
1980438
(-5 from 1979)
355
(+13 from 1979)
0.01914
1979433
(-57 from 1978)
342
(-77 from 1978)
0.01909
1978376
(-41 from 1977)
419
(-118 from 1977)
0.02452
1977335
(+184 from 1976)
537
(+296 from 1976)
0.03142
1976519
(+126 from 1975)
241
(+81 from 1975)
0.01476
1975645
(-23 from 1974)
160
(-7 from 1974)
0.00986
1974622
(+78 from 1973)
167
(+36 from 1973)
0.01024
1973700
(-117 from 1972)
131
(-56 from 1972)
0.00812
1972583
(-10 from 1971)
187
(-17 from 1971)
0.01117
1971573
(-92 from 1970)
204
(-77 from 1970)
0.01122
1970481
(-59 from 1969)
281
(-70 from 1969)
0.01475
1969422
(+156 from 1968)
351
(+180 from 1968)
0.01919
1968578
(-54 from 1967)
171
(-31 from 1967)
0.00963
1967524
(-43 from 1966)
202
(-53 from 1966)
0.01135
1966481
(-65 from 1965)
255
(-98 from 1965)
0.01403
1965416
(+8 from 1964)
353
(-13 from 1964)
0.01863
1964424
(-14 from 1963)
366
(-20 from 1963)
0.01806
1963410
(-61 from 1962)
386
(-123 from 1962)
0.01870
1962349
(+4 from 1961)
509
(+3 from 1961)
0.02422
1961353
(-42 from 1960)
506
(-130 from 1960)
0.02346
1960311
(-31 from 1959)
636
(-167 from 1959)
0.02937
1959280
(+66 from 1958)
803
(+317 from 1958)
0.03706
1958346
(-1 from 1957)
486
(+10 from 1957)
0.02255
1957345
(-18 from 1956)
476
(-35 from 1956)
0.02175
1956327
(+46 from 1955)
511
(+136 from 1955)
0.02381
1955373
(+43 from 1954)
375
(+78 from 1954)
0.01794
1954416
(+62 from 1953)
297
(+83 from 1953)
0.01435
1953478
(+69 from 1952)
214
(+51 from 1952)
0.01069
1952547
(+54 from 1951)
163
(+29 from 1951)
0.00826
1951601
(-72 from 1950)
134
(-29 from 1950)
0.00701
1950529
(+15 from 1949)
163
(+13 from 1949)
0.00896
1949544
(+72 from 1948)
150
(+28 from 1948)
0.00832
1948616
(+189 from 1947)
122
(+49 from 1947)
0.00684
1947805
(+352 from 1946)
73
(+37 from 1946)
0.00393
19461157
(+337 from 1945)
36
(+16 from 1945)
0.00218
19451494
(+396 from 1944)
20
(+6 from 1944)
0.00146
19441890
(+96 from 1943)
14
No change from 1943
0.00101
19431986
(-188 from 1942)
14
(-2 from 1942)
0.00096
19421798
(+536 from 1941)
16
(+6 from 1941)
0.00114
19412334
(+537 from 1940)
10
(+3 from 1940)
0.00080
19402871
(+610 from 1939)
7
(+2 from 1939)
0.00059
19393481
(+161 from 1933)
5
No change from 1933
0.00044
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19333642
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00049
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Rory

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4212021#3842022#3192023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2812021#2342022#2132023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2262021#1742022#2082023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4712021#5232022#4842023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2212021#1862022#1802023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2442021#2142022#1712023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2512021#2742022#2202023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1142021#1352022#702023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2162021#2362022#2512023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3842021#4232022#3362023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1762021#1302022#1142023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2642021#2082022#1812023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2732021#2782022#1922023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2402021#2442022#1672023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#3142021#3402022#5202023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2832021#2782022#2452023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2622021#2752022#2052023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5512021#5692022#3652023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2752021#2602022#2682023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2242021#1242022#1182023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3502021#3722022#4012023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1722021#2162022#1512023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2762021#2312022#2222023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4002021#4662022#3232023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4542021#3712022#3452023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3132021#2372022#2222023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#4292021#3822022#3842023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3112021#2722022#2042023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#4242021#3492022#3942023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1642019#2182020#2582021

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4082021#5872022#2722023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3692021#3402022#1512023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#5422021#3892022#8182023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#7432021#4742022#5502023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1972017#1662022#2142023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3052021#3472022#3432023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2631993#3031994#2212017

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1452021#972022#1082023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2272021#1482022#1722023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2712017#2842022#2322023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1832021#1992022#1032023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4262020#3592021#4232022

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4192018#4072022#3922023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1142021#1822022#732023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6292021#6182022#5492023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5222018#6022022#5152023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1912020#2432022#1112023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1372015#1342018#1252021

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3772016#2692018#3702020

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1251978#1851986

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1071989

Popularity Rankings for Rory in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#92021#72022#62023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#492021#282022#342023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#462019#432020#392021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#742021#942022#742023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1372021#1392022#1522023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1572021#1952022#1552023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#8532016#7082021#9442022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Rory a Name for Boys or Girls?

Originally a male name, Rory has become gender-neutral and is now used for both boys and girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Rory

Rory in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Rory McIlroy (Golfer, born 1989): A Northern Irish professional golfer who has won multiple major championships and is a prominent figure in the sport.
  • Rory Kennedy (Documentary Filmmaker, born 1968): An American documentary filmmaker and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, creating impactful films on social issues.
  • Rory Culkin (Actor, born 1989): An American actor known for his roles in indie films and as part of the famous Culkin family.
  • Rory Kinnear (Actor, born 1978): A British actor recognized for his performances in theater, film, and television, including the James Bond series.
  • Rory Gallagher (Musician, 1948–1995): An Irish blues and rock guitarist whose electrifying performances and recordings gained him a loyal fan base.
  • Rory O'Malley (Actor, born 1980): An American stage and screen actor best known for his role in the Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon."
  • Rory Best (Rugby Player, born 1982): A retired Irish rugby union player who captained the national team and played for Ulster.
  • Rory Bremner (Comedian, born 1961): A British comedian and impressionist famous for his political satire and mimicry.
  • Rory Feek (Singer-Songwriter, born 1965): An American country music singer-songwriter and one half of the duo Joey + Rory.
  • Rory Gilmore ("Gilmore Girls," 2000 TV Series): A bookish and ambitious young woman navigating life and relationships in the quirky town of Stars Hollow.
  • Rory Williams ("Doctor Who," 2005 TV Series): A nurse who travels through time and space with the Doctor and his wife Amy Pond.
  • Rory Breaker ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," 1998 Film): A ruthless and unpredictable gangster involved in the convoluted plot of the film.
  • Rory McIlroy ("Rory McIlroy PGA Tour," 2015 Video Game): Features the professional golfer in a realistic golfing experience.
  • Rory Jansen ("The Words," 2012 Film): A struggling writer who finds a lost manuscript and publishes it as his own.
  • Rory Culkin ("Scream 4," 2011 Film): Portrays Charlie Walker, a film geek and one of the Ghostface killers.
  • Rory O'Shea ("Inside I'm Dancing," 2004 Film): A rebellious young man with muscular dystrophy who inspires another man with cerebral palsy to live more independently.
  • Rory Cochrane ("Dazed and Confused," 1993 Film): Plays the role of Ron Slater, a laid-back stoner navigating the last day of high school.
  • Rory Gallagher Corner (County Cork, Ireland): A corner in Cork City named in honor of the famous Irish musician Rory Gallagher.
  • Rory Creek (California, USA): A small stream located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
  • Rory Park (Victoria, Australia): A public park located in the suburban area of Melbourne, offering recreational facilities.
  • Rory's Glen (New York, USA): A scenic area within the Adirondack Park, known for its hiking trails and natural beauty.
  • Rory's Island (British Columbia, Canada): A small, uninhabited island located off the coast of British Columbia.
  • Rory River (Scotland, UK): A river flowing through the Highlands of Scotland, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
  • Rory's Ridge (Ontario, Canada): A hiking trail located in Algonquin Provincial Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Rory's Bay (Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada): A bay situated on the eastern coast, popular for boating and fishing.

Similar Names to Rory

  • Lori
  • Tori
  • Corey
  • Story
  • Flory
  • Morrie

Sibling Names for Rory

  • Harlan
  • Idris
  • Jove
  • Kit
  • Leif
  • Merrick

Parents Who Like the Name Rory Also Like

Picking a name is such a fun part of preparing for a new baby. Rory has so much to offer, and we hope this guide has helped. Like, share, and comment if you enjoyed it! Need more ideas? Check out other names on my site. Thanks for stopping by!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
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3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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