What Does the Name Rory Mean?
Rory is a unisex name of Irish/Scottish Gaelic origin meaning “red king.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Rory |
|---|---|
| Gender | unisex |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish Gaelic |
| Meaning | red king |
| Variants | Ruaidhrí, Rhuaidhri, Ruairi, Rorie |
| Popularity | Most popular in Ireland and Scotland; increasingly common as a unisex name in the US and UK. |
The meaning and origin of Rory
The name Rory means “red king” and has Irish/Scottish Gaelic origins. An anglicization of the Gaelic 'Ruaidhrí', from 'ruadh' (red) and 'rí' (king). Traditionally a masculine name, it is now also used for girls in English-speaking countries.
Variants and related names
Rory is related to several other names you may recognize: Ruaidhrí, Rhuaidhri, Ruairi, Rorie. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Rory?
Most popular in Ireland and Scotland; increasingly common as a unisex name in the US and UK.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rory mean?+
The name Rory means “red king” and is of Irish/Scottish Gaelic origin.
What is the origin of the name Rory?+
Rory originates from Irish/Scottish Gaelic.
Is Rory a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Rory has trended in the US over time.
Rory by gender
More unisex names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press