Ruaraí

Irish

"red king"

Ruaraí Origin and Meaning

The name Ruaraí is a boy's name.

Ruaraí is a masculine Irish name, a variant spelling of Rory or Ruairí. It derives from the Old Irish name Ruaidrí, combining 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king,' thus translating as 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' This traditional Irish spelling preserves the name's Gaelic heritage and pronunciation. The name has deep historical roots in Ireland, borne by several kings and notable figures including the last High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair. While more commonly spelled Ruairí in modern Ireland, Ruaraí represents another authentic variant. Outside Ireland, this spelling is quite rare, making it a distinctive choice that strongly connects a child to Irish cultural heritage. The name typically uses the traditional Irish pronunciation 'ROO-ah-ree.'