Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Ruairi

Ruairi

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROO-uh-ree /ˈru.ə.ri/Medium

Meaning: From Irish Ruaidhri — variously 'a red king' (ruadh, 'red', plus ri, 'king') and 'a famous ruler'Low

In 30 seconds: A red king; a famous ruler: Ruairi is Irish 'a red king'. Crisp, regal, and warm (said 'ROO-uh-ree').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom Irish Ruaidhri — variously 'a red king' (ruadh, 'red', plus ri, 'king') and 'a famous ruler'
U.S. rank (2025)#5570 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 288

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219882025

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

Ruairi comes from Irish Ruaidhri — variously 'a red king' (ruadh, 'red', plus ri, 'king') and 'a famous ruler' (routes layered, which we note). Borne by Irish high kings; anglicized as Rory. A crisp, regal name (said 'ROO-uh-ree'; nickname Rory).

In the U.S. it appears in Irish families. Rare, a-red-king at the root, and regal.

Did you know? Ruairi (Ruaidhri) means variously 'a red king' (ruadh, 'red', plus ri, 'king') and 'a famous ruler' in Irish — Rory is its anglicized form — a crisp, regal name (said 'ROO-uh-ree').
Overall data confidence 55%
Behind the Name — Ruairi — Irish etymology

Variations

RoryRuaidhriRuari

Nicknames

Rory

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ruairi…

Rory— the anglicized form
Cormac— a fellow Irish boys' name
Oisin— another Irish boys' name
Jacori— echoes that soft -ri sound
Jakori— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Ruairi

By themeuncertainirish
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruairi mean?

Ruairi is Irish, variously 'a red king' and 'a famous ruler'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Ruairi?

It's said ROO-uh-ree /ˈru.ə.ri/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ruairi a boy or girl name?

Ruairi is a boy's name.

How popular is Ruairi?

Ruairi is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia