Ruairí

Irish

"red king"

Ruairí Origin and Meaning

The name Ruairí is a girl's name of Irish Gaelic origin.

Ruairí is traditionally a masculine Irish name, though it's listed here as feminine. In Irish tradition, it's spelled Ruairí or Ruaidhrí and pronounced roughly as 'ROO-ree.' The name derives from the Gaelic elements 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king,' thus translating to 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' It has been borne by several Irish kings and notables throughout history. While primarily used for boys in Ireland and Scottish Gaelic regions, some names cross gender boundaries in modern usage. The name carries a strong Celtic heritage and conveys strength and nobility. The fada (accent) over the final 'i' indicates a long vowel sound in Irish pronunciation, distinguishing it from anglicized versions like Rory.