Rory is a popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #80 in 2016 with 856 recorded births. This places Rory in the top 1% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 1,760 births ranking #17. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 42.4%. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 388 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.