Ruadri

Ruadri is a Gaelic given name, an Anglicized form of the Irish Ruaidrí. It derives from ruaidh or ruadh meaning red, and rí meaning king, and is often interpreted as "red king" or "royal king." The spelling Ruadri is a non-diacritic variant; other forms include Ruaidrí, Ruaidhrí, and Rory, the latter being a common anglicized form.

In Irish history the best-known bearer is Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (also rendered Rory O'Conor), who is traditionally regarded as the last High King of Ireland. He reigned during the period of the Norman invasion in the late 12th century, presiding over a fragmented island and ultimately submitting to Henry II of England, which marked the end of a unified Gaelic high kingship. He died in 1198 at Cong.

The name remains in use in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, appearing in various historical and literary contexts. It is also encountered in genealogical and onomastic discussions as an example of Gaelic royal naming patterns. Modern instances of the name can span public figures, actors, and writers, though Ruadri as a spelling is rarer in contemporary records than Ruaidrí or Rory.

Overall, Ruadri denotes a traditional Gaelic name with royal associations, most prominently linked to the high medieval Irish monarchy, and it continues to be recognized as part of Ireland's linguistic heritage.