US Popularity Rank: 269

Origin: Irish

Meaning: red king

Rory is a gender-neutral baby name of Irish origin. Rory is an Anglicized name derived from the Irish word ruadh, meaning “red,” and the Old Irish name Ruaidhrí, meaning “red king.” History buffs will recognize Rory or Ruaidhrí as the High King of Ireland in the 1100s who fought and challenged Anglo-Norman invaders. The name Rory is also associated with the baby boy Roger and the baby girl name Lorelai. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls’ main character Rory Gilmore, you’ll love that this name is growing far and wide in the United States, England, and Australia. Between Irish royalty and beloved TV characters, baby Rory is sure to be ambitious through all walks of life.