"glorious ruler"
Origin: Germanic via Portuguese
Language: English
Rui
Does Rui flow with your last name?
A sleek two-syllable name with global reach
Portuguese
Brazilian
Japanese
Chinese
Minimalist
Strong
Unique
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"lapis lazuli, flowing water"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Rui
Rui is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Roderick, from hrod (fame) and ric (power), meaning glorious ruler. It was carried to Portugal from the Visigothic tradition and remains a classic in Lusophone culture. In Japan, Rui can mean lapis lazuli or flowing water, giving it a completely separate but equally poetic meaning.
Rui has long been a top name in Portugal and Brazil. In Japan, it gained popularity in the 2000s and 2010s, appearing regularly in anime and manga, boosting its international recognition.
In Portugal, Rui Veloso is considered the father of Portuguese rock music. In Brazil, the name is associated with intellectualism through Rui Barbosa, author of the 1891 constitution.
Historical Record
Rui first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 838 babies have been named Rui in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Rui is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,294 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rui Barbosa was the designer of the Brazilian constitution
- In Japan, Rui is popular in anime, appearing in Kimetsu no Yaiba and other titles
Rui in Other Languages
Chinese
Rui
Spanish
Ruy
Japanese
Rui
Portuguese
Rui
Popularity Over Time
#2,294
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Rui
R
Rui Hachimura
Athlete
1998
Japanese-Beninese NBA basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers
R
Rui Veloso
Musician
1956
Portuguese singer-songwriter considered the father of Portuguese rock
R
Rui Barbosa
Politician
1849
Brazilian jurist and statesman, author of the 1891 Brazilian constitution
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Compare Rui with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,294
- Total SSA Count
- 62
- Cultural Origins
- Portuguese Brazilian Japanese Chinese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Rui
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, Japanese heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Rui
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Rui is also used as a girl name, ranked #12055.
View Rui as a girl name →Similar Names
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"nobleman, member of the patrician class"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rui
What does the name Rui mean?
"glorious ruler" (from Germanic via Portuguese). "lapis lazuli, flowing water" (from Japanese). Rui is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Roderick, from hrod (fame) and ric (power), meaning glorious ruler. It was carried to Portugal from the Visigothic tradition and remains a classic in Lusophone culture. In Japan, Rui can mean lapis lazuli or flowing water, giving it a completely separate but equally poetic meaning.
What is the origin of the name Rui?
Rui has Germanic via Portuguese, Japanese, Portuguese, Brazilian, and Chinese origins. In Germanic via Portuguese, it means "glorious ruler". In Japanese, it means "lapis lazuli, flowing water".
Is Rui a boy or girl name?
Rui is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2294. As a girl name, it is ranked #12055. Rui is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Rui?
Rui is currently ranked #2294 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Rui?
Common nicknames for Rui include Rui.
What are good middle names for Rui?
Popular middle name pairings include Rui Antonio, Rui Miguel, Rui Carlos, Rui Alexandre, Rui Haruki, and Rui Eito.
What are good sibling names for Rui?
Names that pair well with Rui as siblings include Ines, Ana, Diego, Mia, Sora, and Yuna.
How many syllables does Rui have?
Rui has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rui a common or rare name?
Rui is an uncommon name, ranked #2294 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Rui
Rui is a boy name with Portuguese, Brazilian, Japanese, and Chinese origins . The name means "glorious ruler" in Germanic via Portuguese .
Is Rui a boy or girl name? Rui is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,294 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,055. Rui is more commonly used as a boy name.
Rui is currently ranked #2,294 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Rui has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rui include Rui. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis