The name Rury is believed to have originated from a combination of the old English words "ru" meaning red and "ry" meaning rye or grain. It is thought to have first appeared in medieval England around the 11th century, possibly derived from the nickname of someone with reddish hair who worked with grains or rye.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Rury can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a manuscript record of a survey of much of England and Wales completed in 1086 by order of King William the Conqueror. In this text, a landowner named Rury is mentioned as holding lands in the county of Sussex.

During the Middle Ages, the name Rury appears to have been relatively uncommon, with few notable historical figures bearing this name. However, in the 16th century, a Benedictine monk named Rury ap Gwilym (1522-1594) from Wales became known for his translations of religious texts into the Welsh language.

In the 17th century, an English soldier named Rury Mordaunt (1608-1668) gained recognition for his service in the English Civil War, fighting on the side of the Parliamentarians against King Charles I. He later went on to become a member of the English Parliament.

Another notable figure with the name Rury was Rury O'More (1620-1655), an Irish landowner and rebel who led an uprising against English rule in Ireland during the Irish Confederate Wars of the 1640s.

A century later, in 1771, a Scottish poet and songwriter named Rury Tytler (1711-1786) gained some renown for his collection of Scottish ballads and songs, which helped preserve many traditional Scottish folk tales and melodies.

While not a particularly common name throughout history, the name Rury has been borne by a number of individuals from various backgrounds, spanning several centuries and regions.