Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Rory

Rory is the anglicized form of an old Gaelic masculine name Ruaidhrí or Ruairidh which have a long history of usage in Ireland and Scotland respectively. The name’s root etymology can be found in the Gaelic elements “ruadh” meaning “red-haired” and “rí” meaning “king”. Common usage of Ruaidhrí dates back to the Middle Ages in Ireland and was most notably borne by the last undisputed High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, at the end of the 12th century around the time of the Anglo-Norman quasi-conquest of Ireland. The anglicized form – Rory – remains quite popular for the little lads in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland today. Rory has also expanded well beyond the Irish and Scottish borders to every other English-speaking nation. The United States, however, is unusual in that it's the only place that regards Rory as a gender-neutral name. Rory is often used as a short form of Roderick although the two names are not connected. It could also be used as a nickname for the girl names Aurora and/or Lorelei.

All About the Baby Name – Rory

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME RORY

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME RORY

Americans basically imported the name Rory from Ireland in 1947. It started out as a boy’s name but officially went unisex when Rory showed up on the female naming charts in 2002 (politician Robert F. Kennedy named one of his daughters Rory in 1968 way before the name showed up on the Top 1000 list). For boys, Rory saw instant success after his 1947 debut on the charts (probably inspired by Rory Calhoun, a popular actor of the time). In fact, Rory reached as high as position #280 on the charts in 1959. The name peaked a second time in the late 1970s and early 1980s this time influenced by popular Irish blues-rock musician Rory Gallagher. Otherwise the name has experienced somewhat sporadic usage over the years. It’s getting another push up the male naming charts right now thanks to Rory McIlroy, currently the #1 golfer in the world. For girls, the name’s history is a bit different. Although heartthrob silver-screen idol Errol Flynn named his daughter Rory in 1947 and politician Robert F. Kennedy did the same in 1968, officially this name did not enter the female Top 1000 until much, much later in 2003 – not to mention it’s having trouble sticking to the charts (in other words, Rory for girls remains a rare name choice). Rory reminds us of another Irish name Ryan (“little king”) which Americans have made gender-neutral. The only complaint we have about Rory is that it’s sorta awkward to pronounce.

Quick Facts

ON RORY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Irish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

903

PRONUNCIATION:

ROAR-ee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Red king

Characteristics

OF RORY

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Rory

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME RORY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Rory

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME RORY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Rory


Popular Songs

ON RORY

Rory Rides Me Raw
a song by the Vaselines

Famous People

NAMED RORY

Rory McIlroy (Northern Irish golfer)
Rory Gallagher (folksinger/guitarist)
Rory Sabbatini (South African golfer)
Rory Calhoun (actor)
Rory Cochrane (actor)
Rory Culkin (actor)
Rory Fitzpatrick (hockey player)
Rory Kennedy (filmmaker, daughter of JFK)
Rory Sparrow (basketball player)
Rory White (basketball player)
Rory McIlroy (Northern Irish golfer)
Rory Gallagher (folksinger/guitarist)
Rory Sabbatini (South African golfer)
Rory Calhoun (actor)
Rory Cochrane (actor)
Rory Culkin (actor)
Rory Fitzpatrick (hockey player)
Rory Kennedy (filmmaker, daughter of JFK)
Rory Sparrow (basketball player)
Rory White (basketball player)
Rory McIlroy (Northern Irish golfer)
Rory Gallagher (folksinger/guitarist)
Rory Sabbatini (South African golfer)
Rory Calhoun (actor)
Rory Cochrane (actor)
Rory Culkin (actor)
Rory Fitzpatrick (hockey player)
Rory Kennedy (filmmaker, daughter of JFK)
Rory Sparrow (basketball player)
Rory White (basketball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED RORY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Rory

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME RORY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Rory