This spirited Gaelic classic, which became popular in Ireland via the illustrious twelfth century king Rory O'Connor, makes a highly energetic choice, now used for either sex. Rory's gender split is trending boyward: 58% of the children named Rory in the most recent year counted were boys and 42% girls, compared with a near-even split just a few years ago.

Rory first came to attention in the U.S. in the person of mid-century pin-up boy, Rory Calhoun (born Francis Timothy); the name entered the popularity list in 1947, peaking at Number 280 in 1959.

Young Irish U.S. Open champ Rory Mcllroy makes a worthy namesake. Bill and Melinda Gates chose Rory as the name of their only son.

Rory is a Top 40 name in Scotland and is also well used in Ireland. Skip baffling Gaelic spellings like Ruari and Ruaidhri and stick with the more straightforward Rory.