Ruary
Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Ruary: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2015.
Ruary is a distinctive Scottish Gaelic form of Roderick, derived from the Old Gaelic *Ruaidhrí*, composed of *ruadh* meaning “red” and *rí* meaning “king” — so, “red king.” The name is particularly associated with the Highlands and shares its roots with Rory and Ruairidh. One historical bearer was Ruairí Ó Conchobair, a 12th‑century King of Connacht in Ireland, while Ruaidhrí Mac Ruaidhrí was a 14th‑century Scottish lord and war leader during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The name has no direct place-names, but the related Rory lends its sound to places like Rua Reidh in Wester Ross, whose name comes from the same *ruadh* element. A further note: Ruary saw a modest revival in 20th‑century Scotland, often chosen to honour Gaelic heritage or as a fresh alternative to the anglicised Rory.
Boy 1 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20153 babies
- Latest (2015)
- #6863 babies
- Total births
- 3since 2015
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y