Rourke

Meaning of Rourke

The name Rourke is a strong and distinctive choice for boys, rooted deeply in Irish heritage. Pronounced as "ROORK" (/ru:ɾk/ or /ruərk/), this name carries a sense of rugged charm and resilience. Rourke, also spelled Rorke, is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Ruairc," meaning "descendant of Ruarc," with Ruarc translating to "famous ruler." This name has been relatively rare in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over the years. Since 1978, the occurrences have varied annually, peaking modestly in certain years but never breaking into mainstream popularity. The highest recorded rank was 4508 in 1995 with 13 newborns named Rourke that year. Despite its rarity, Rourke's unique sound and rich cultural background make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that stands out while honoring Irish roots.

Pronunciation

Irish

• Pronunced as ROORK (/ru:ɾk/)

American English

• Pronunced as ROORK (/ruərk/)

• Ronan
• Rowan
• Roderick
• Roman
• Rory
• Roland
• Roark