Rui

Boy Name #2,294 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A sleek two-syllable name with global reach

Portuguese Brazilian Japanese Chinese

Minimalist Strong Unique Bold

Meaning & Origin

"glorious ruler"

Origin: Germanic via Portuguese

Language: English

"lapis lazuli, flowing water"

Origin: Japanese

Language: Japanese

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.

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

Famous People Named Rui

Rui Hachimura

Athlete

1998

Japanese-Beninese NBA basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers

Rui Veloso

Musician

1956

Portuguese singer-songwriter considered the father of Portuguese rock

Rui Barbosa

Politician

1849

Brazilian jurist and statesman, author of the 1891 Brazilian constitution

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

Pairs Well With

Rui Antonio Rui Miguel Rui Carlos Rui Alexandre Rui Haruki Rui Eito

Sibling Names

Ines Ana Diego Mia Sora Yuna

Also a Girl Name

Rui is also used as a girl name, ranked #12055.

View Rui as a girl name →

Similar Names

Louis Huey Luigi

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Rui and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Rui sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more boy names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

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.

Rui