Rory is a popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #93 in 1996 with 601 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 1,760 births ranking #17. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 530 boys born was named Rory. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Rory is a lively Irish name traditionally understood to mean 'red king'. It feels energetic, modern, and comfortably unisex in current use.
Long used in Ireland, Rory became more broadly popular as short Celtic names gained traction internationally. Its crisp sound and strong meaning helped it travel well.