Rising since 1994, #199 for boys today.
Popularity of Rory since 1933
Babies named Rory per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 10 |
| 1940s | 129 | 462 |
| 1950s | 223 | 3,621 |
| 1960s | 185 | 3,737 |
| 1970s | 342 | 2,668 |
| 1980s | 345 | 4,738 |
| 1990s | 377 | 2,706 |
| 2000s | 2,085 | 2,737 |
| 2010s | 4,026 | 6,990 |
| 2020s | 5,868 | 8,172 |
Meaning & origin
Rory, a name of Irish and Scottish origin meaning 'red king', has been steadily rising in U.S. popularity since 1994, reaching its peak rank of 199 in 2025. With a current 1-in-966 rate, it is most common in New England states like Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. First recorded in the U.S. in 1933, the name has seen a notable trajectory upward over the past three decades, appealing to parents seeking a lively, gender-neutral choice with strong Celtic heritage. Its versatility and rich historical roots continue to drive its modern appeal.
Rory is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Ruaidhrí, composed of the Gaelic elements 'ruadh' (red) and 'rí' (king). Historically, it was borne by several Irish and Scottish kings and chieftains, including the 12th-century High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. The name has been used in both Ireland and Scotland for centuries and gained wider English-speaking popularity in the 20th century.
Where Rory is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rory” around the world
Where Rory lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
#60
in 2025
New Zealand
40
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#85
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ror
Variants: Ruairí, Ruaidhrí, Ruairidh, Rauri
Sibling names for Rory
Names that share Rory's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Caoimhe, Niamh, Siobhan, Fiona, Aislinn, Brenna, Ciara, Shae, Euna, Indy, Jorie, Keena, Nori, Rooney, Saoirse, Tarah, Allanah, Ciji, Corri, Dacey, Danie, Fia, Kirsty, Lassie, Lockie, Terryn, Bellany, Cevyn, Clodagh, Edana, Enda, Molley, Murphie, Nixie, Remmi, Rogina, Neave, Aisla, Harbour, Marny, Nyrie, Ronae, Rus, Tamlyn
Brothers: Finn, Liam, Sean, Declan, Cormac, Leon, Oran, Torry, Caelan, Kerwin, Mackie, Ronal, Curran, Donel, Kallum, Kalum, Kelso, Lowry, Raider, Renny, Roney, Conlin, Daire, Kaire, Kairon, Kinney, Korry, Leith, Maclane, Niam, Paddy, Rannie, Robi, Torris, Rhonin, Bannon, Calahan, Carron, Cortlin, Mccabe, Neilan, Reace, Remon, Riese, Zoren
Names like Rory
Names whose popularity has moved with Rory's over the last 50 years.
