WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Rhuri

Boy name · 23 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rhuri: 23 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2017.

From sturdy Gaelic roots, Rhuri is a modern Scottish spelling of Ruairidh, meaning “red king” or “red-haired one,” evoking a fiery, royal ancestry. Perhaps its most famous bearer is the legendary 17th-century Scottish clan chief Ruairidh Mòr MacLeod, known for his fierce leadership of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan. The name shares its essence with places like Rorie’s Bay on the Isle of Skye, where tales of clan history linger. As a variant, Rhuri offers a softer twist on the more familiar Rory, popular across Scotland and Ireland, and has gained traction in recent years as a distinctive yet traditional choice, blending old-world charm with a fresh, approachable feel.

Boy 7 of 52 years

Peak year
20174 babies
Latest (2025)
#7623 babies
Total births
23since 2009
5-year trend
▲ 13%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2017 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).