Rourke is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ruairc," which means "descendant of Ruarc." Ruarc, in turn, is believed to mean "bright" or "shining."
The O'Ruaircs were an important family in Ireland, known for their role as chieftains of the Kingdom of Breifne, located in what is now County Leitrim. The name Rourke is therefore associated with this historical family and their influence in Irish history.
While Rourke may not be a particularly common given name today, it has been used by some notable individuals throughout history. One such example is the American musician Rourke O'Brien, better known by his stage name "Fitz," who was a member of the band Fitz and the Tantrums.
Overall, Rourke is an interesting and unique given name with deep Irish roots and historical significance. It's a name that stands out and has a rich history behind it.
The name Rourke has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 331 births recorded between 1978 and 2023.
The highest number of births occurred in recent years, with 17 births each in 2012 and 2014. The most popular year for the name was 2021, with a total of 16 babies named Rourke born that year.
However, there were also several years where the name was not very common, such as 1978, 1988, and 2005, with only 5 births each. Additionally, there were periods in the late 1990s and early 2000s where the number of births dropped below 10 each year.
Overall, while the name Rourke has not been consistently popular over time, it has experienced several peaks in recent years, suggesting that it may be gaining popularity among parents in the United States.