Find out how popular the first name Rourke has been for the last 47 years (from 1978 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rourke by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Rourke is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rourke.

The history of the first name Rourke

The name Rourke is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ruairc, which means "descendant of Ruarc". Ruarc was a personal name of Irish-Gaelic origin, likely meaning "red king" or "red champion". The name can be traced back to the early medieval period in Ireland, around the 9th or 10th century.

The surname Ó Ruairc was prominent among the ruling families of the medieval Kingdom of Breifne, located in what is now County Leitrim, Ireland. The Ó Ruairc clan was known for their involvement in various conflicts and power struggles with other Irish clans and the Anglo-Norman invaders during the 12th and 13th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Tighernan Ua Ruairc, who was the King of Breifne from 1166 to 1172. He is mentioned in the Annals of Ulster and other Irish historical records for his battles against the Anglo-Normans and his role in the conflict over the High Kingship of Ireland.

Another notable historical figure with the name Rourke was Donal Oge O'Rourke, who lived in the 15th century and was the Lord of West Breifne. He is recorded as having fought against the English forces in Ireland and was involved in various conflicts with other Irish clans.

In the 16th century, Brian O'Rourke, also known as Brian na Samhthach ("Brian of the Straw Breed"), was a prominent member of the O'Rourke clan and played a significant role in the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland.

Over the centuries, the name Rourke has been used by various individuals, including the Irish writer and artist Constance Rourke (1885-1941), who was known for her works on American folklore and culture. Another notable bearer of the name was the American actor Mickey Rourke (born 1952), known for his roles in films such as "Sin City" and "The Wrestler".

While the name Rourke has its origins in Ireland and was historically associated with the Gaelic clan of the same name, it has since been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries with Irish diaspora communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rourke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rourke, please contact us.

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