Ruaraidh
Ruaraidh Origin and Meaning
Ruaraidh is a masculine Scottish Gaelic name, pronounced roughly as 'ROO-uh-ree.' It's the original Gaelic form of the more commonly known Rory or Ruari. The name derives from the Gaelic elements 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king,' literally translating to 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' Historically, it was borne by several notable Scottish and Irish kings and chieftains. While relatively uncommon outside Scotland and Ireland, Ruaraidh remains in use in Gaelic-speaking communities and among families honoring their Celtic heritage. The traditional spelling presents pronunciation challenges for those unfamiliar with Gaelic, but preserves the authentic cultural heritage of the name. Ruaraidh offers parents a strong name with deep historical roots and distinct cultural identity.