MallowbyNames

Roux

roo · Of uncertain origin; possibly a French surname meaning "red-haired" or a transferred use of the culinary term for a butter and flour thickening.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,987
Babies named in 2025
26
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 61,818 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2011

Rising since 2011, #4,987 for girls today.

Popularity of Roux since 2011

Babies named Roux per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1631472020Most births 2023GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
2010s15236
2020s22589

Meaning & origin

Roux entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 2011, a relatively recent addition that has been steadily climbing in popularity. In 2025 it ranked 4,987th, with 1 in every 61,818 newborns receiving the name, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking distinctive choices. The name peaked in 2023, and its upward trajectory since 2011 suggests growing appeal. Though its origins are somewhat murky, it likely draws from the French surname meaning "red-haired" or the culinary term for a sauce base, appealing to foodies and Francophiles alike. Top usage in Texas hints at a regional preference.

Roux is primarily a French surname derived from the Old French word "rous," meaning "red" or "red-haired," related to the Latin "russus." As a given name, it emerged in the 2010s, likely influenced by the culinary term for a mixture of fat and flour used as a base in sauces and soups. The name has been used for both genders since its first U.S. record in 2011, reflecting a broader trend of surnames and food-related words adopted as first names.

Where Roux is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Sibling names for Roux

Names that share Roux's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Blair, Sage, Claire, Shea, Viv

Brothers: Beau, Reid, Asa, Jules, Gus, Noxx

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Roux, our favorite little person.

R is for Roux…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Roux's letter becomes Roux's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Roux's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Roux mean?
Roux is believed to derive from a French word for 'red' or 'red-haired,' though it may also be a direct borrowing from the cooking term for a flour-and-butter mixture.
How popular is the name Roux in the United States?
As of 2025, Roux ranked 4,987th among U.S. baby names, with approximately 1 in 61,818 newborns given the name. It has been rising in popularity since it first appeared in 2011.
Is Roux a boy's or girl's name?
Roux is used for both boys and girls, though it tends to be more common for girls in recent years. It is considered a modern unisex name.