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Rori

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rori: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2002.

Rori is often a modern spelling variant of Rory, which itself comes from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name Ruairidh or Ruaraidh, meaning "red king" or "red-haired king," from *ruadh* (red) and *rígh* (king). Among famous bearers, the rugged actor Rory Calhoun lit up 1950s Westerns, while Australian golfer Rory McIlroy has dominated international tournaments. The name also connects directly to the rugged Rònaigh island in the Hebrides, though the Rori spelling is more common in the U.S. and Canada than in Scotland itself. Parents choosing Rori often appreciate its unisex appeal; while traditionally masculine in Gaelic culture, it has been used increasingly for girls since the 1990s, partly thanks to characters like Rory Gilmore from *Gilmore Girls*.