Fun Facts About the Name Roary
- 69 babies named Roary: U.S. records list 69 babies given the name Roary from 1880 through 2025. Even 10 girls received the name Roary - about 1 girl for every 6 boys.
What Does the Name Roary Mean?
Roary is an English spelling variant of Rory, which comes from the Irish name Ruairí, earlier Old Irish Ruaidrí. The Irish name is generally explained as a compound of rúad ("red") and rí ("king"), giving the literal meaning "red king." The "red" element is often understood as a reference to red hair or a ruddy complexion, so the name is sometimes glossed "red-haired king." Roary is not derived from the English word roar; its spelling reflects the pronunciation of Rory.
Roary Name History & Origins
The name goes back to Old Irish Ruaidrí, which developed into Modern Irish Ruairí. Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht and the last high king of Ireland, died in 1198 and is an early documented bearer. English speakers in Ireland anglicized Ruairí as Rory, and Roary is a later English spelling of the same name. The spelling Roary is also familiar from the children's animated series Roary the Racing Car, which began in 2007; that is a modern media use, not the name's origin.
How Popular is the Name Roary?
Roary has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2017. Its best rank was #7,095 in 1983.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #16,770 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2021 | #17,183 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | #13,679 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2018 | #13,684 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #9,504 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2015 | #11,804 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2014 | #13,643 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2008 | #14,178 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 2007 | #13,979 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 2006 | #13,600 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 2003 | #12,363 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1983 | #7,095 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1982 | #7,149 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with R
Short Boy Names That Start with R
How the Name Roary Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are a law unto itself. Your tendency is to finish whatever you start. You are tolerant and like to help humanity. You are very active. You are generally warmhearted and gives freely of your time, energy, and sympathetic understanding. You have tolerance and acceptance of the frailties of others. Universal and humanitarian in outlook. This is very compassionate name. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You are seeking freedom, opportunities to enjoy life: to make love, to go places and to do things. You are very adventurous and willing to take risk to achieve your objectives. New ways and new experiences can't satisfy your restless nature. One adventure leads you to another. You are honest and fair, because you know that this is the only way to receive justice and honesty from other people. But your personal growth is vital for you, and it is difficult to be tied down by rules and obligations. Your restless spirit might best controlled by choosing the field of work that meet your demand for action and adventure.
✦ Roary's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Roary's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.