Rooney Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Rooney is an Irish name originating from the surname 'Ó Ruanaidh', which means 'descendant of Ruanaidh'. The name has evolved through historical forms, maintaining its connection to Irish heritage. It is associated with traits of strength and resilience. There is no significant biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly due to well-known figures in sports and entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rooney"
Pronunciation
/ˈruːni/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Rooney is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Ruanaidh', meaning 'descendant of Ruanaidh'. The personal name Ruanaidh itself is believed to be derived from the word 'rón', meaning 'seal', combined with a diminutive suffix.
Meaning
descendant of Ruanaidh
Language Evolution
Ó Ruanaidh, Ruanaidh, Rooney
Historical Usage
The surname Rooney has been used in Ireland for centuries, with its popularity increasing in the 20th century, especially in the English-speaking world.
Variants & Derivatives
Roon, Rune, Roone
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Rooney is recognized as a popular surname and given name, largely due to famous individuals bearing the name, and it carries a positive image associated with sports and talent.
Famous People
Wayne Rooney, Rooney Mara
📊 Rooney Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Rooney Name Visualizations
✨ Rooney Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 140 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 13 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Rooney" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Rooney". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Rooney" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rooney"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Rooney"
"Rooney" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4360th of 7552 | 54 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5312th of 10718 | 58 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10179th of 16616 | 31 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5960th of 24088 | 201 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4199th of 23106 | 294 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 22968th of 35406 | 27 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2764th of 30306 | 747 |
Regional Popularity of "Rooney" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
71.90% 3713th/5164 |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
42.22% 3151st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
51.59% 3238th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Rooney" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
60.99% 2430th/3984 |
74.95% 3363rd/4487 |
71.86% 4902nd/6822 |
34.99% 2196th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rooney"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rooney" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Rooney" in the United States
The name Rooney is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rooney has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Rooney' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5312th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10179th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5960th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4199th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22968th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2764th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Rooney' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.