Ruaidhrigh

Irish

"red king"

Ruaidhrigh Origin and Meaning

The name Ruaidhrigh is a boy's name.

Ruaidhrigh is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, representing a traditional spelling of what is often anglicized as Rory or Ruairi. The name derives from the Gaelic elements 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king,' thus signifying 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' This elaborate spelling preserves the authentic Gaelic orthography, though it may present pronunciation challenges outside of Ireland. Ruaidhrigh has historical significance as the name of several Irish kings and chieftains, including Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland before Norman invasion. While uncommon even in Ireland today, this spelling appeals to parents seeking to honor Irish linguistic heritage with a traditional, distinctive name.