Roe

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROH /ˈroʊ/High

Meaning: Variously an English surname/word ('a roe deer') and the Irish O Ruaidh, 'a descendant of the red-haired one'; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A roe deer; a red-haired one: Roe is English/Irish. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowEnglish, Irish

MeaningVariously an English surname/word ('a roe deer') and the Irish O Ruaidh, 'a descendant of the red-haired one'; used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#8796 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1916

Total births (all-time)≈ 899

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Roe comes variously from an English surname/word ('a roe deer') and the Irish O Ruaidh, 'a descendant of the red-haired one'; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'ROH').

In the U.S. it appears as a modern short name. Rare, a-roe-deer at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Roe is variously an English surname/word ('a roe deer') and the Irish O Ruaidh, 'a descendant of the red-haired one' — a crisp name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'ROH').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Roe — surname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

RoweRoRoh

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Roe…

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Bo— a fellow short boys' name

Cole— a companion short boys' name

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By themeuncertain english unisex surname-name irish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Roe mean?

Roe is variously an English 'a roe deer' and the Irish 'a descendant of the red-haired one'; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Roe?

It's said ROH /ˈroʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Roe a boy or girl name?

Roe is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Roe?

Roe is a very rare name in the U.S.