Rory is a gender-neutral name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "ruadh," which means "red-haired." The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was originally used as both a masculine and feminine given name.
In literature, Rory gained popularity through its use in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, where it was the first name of character Rory Finnigan. This helped to further establish the name as unisex in modern times.
While the meaning behind Rory is straightforward and simple, its Irish origins give it a rich cultural history. The name has been passed down through generations in Ireland and is still used today, both as a given name for newborns and as a middle name or nickname for those with longer names beginning with "R."
Overall, Rory is a unique, historic, and meaningful name choice that can be given to either a boy or girl. Its Irish origins add an extra layer of charm and cultural significance to the name.
The name Rory has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only five births recorded in 1933 and again in 1939, it was quite rare during that time period. However, by the late 1940s, the number of births began to rise steadily, with 73 births in 1947 and 122 in 1948.
The trend continued into the 1950s, with Rory reaching an all-time high of 803 births in 1959. Although there was a decline in popularity throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with as few as 131 births recorded in 1973, the name started to regain traction by the late 1970s.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Rory maintained a consistent level of popularity, with around 300-500 births per year. However, it was not until the early 2000s that the name started to gain significant traction once again, with over 600 births recorded in 2012.
The trend has continued into the current decade, with Rory reaching record-breaking heights in popularity. In 2021, a total of 1,134 babies were named Rory, and this number increased to an impressive 1,228 in 2022. As of the latest data from 2023, Rory has been given to an astounding 1,442 newborns in the United States alone.
Overall, while Rory may have had a slow start in terms of popularity, it has since become one of the most beloved and common baby names in the United States. It is clear that this name will continue to be popular for many years to come.