Ruairidh

Irish

"red king"

Ruairidh Origin and Meaning

The name Ruairidh is a boy's name.

Ruairidh is a traditional Scottish Gaelic masculine name, a variant of Rory. It derives from the Gaelic elements 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king,' essentially translating to 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' The name has been used in Gaelic-speaking regions of Scotland for centuries, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles. While relatively uncommon outside of Scotland, Ruairidh has maintained steady popularity within Scottish communities. The pronunciation may challenge non-Gaelic speakers, as it's typically pronounced 'ROO-ree' or 'ROO-uh-ree.' In recent years, as parents seek names with cultural heritage and distinctive character, Ruairidh has seen increased interest among Scottish diaspora worldwide.

Popularity of the name Ruairidh

• 56 Scotland 2024

Famous People Named Ruairidh

• Ruairidh Jackson Scottish rugby union player
• Ruairidh Erskine Scottish nationalist