Boru

sorrow
Irish origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1996US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.5%Percentile

What does Boru mean and where does it come from?

Boru is derived from the Irish word 'bóthar', meaning 'sorrow' or 'sadness'.

Cultural significance
The name Boru is associated with historical figures in Irish culture, particularly in relation to the legendary figure Brian Boru, a high king of Ireland.
Peak popularity
Reached #1996 in 2015 — currently #1996 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Boru?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Boru?

Boru works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Boru Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Boru John
One syllable · timeless choice
Boru Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Boru Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Boru Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Boru Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Boru
Browse ideas →

How popular is Boru right now?

Holding steady — currently #1996 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1996 · Top 1.5%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#199610stable
2022#199610stable
2021#199610stable
2020#199610stable
2019#199610
💎Boru is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Boru?

Common
BorBorieBory

Famous people named Boru

BB
Brian Boru
High King of Ireland known for uniting the country against Viking invasions.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Boru

What does the name Boru mean?
Boru means "sorrow" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Boru?
Boru is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Boru?
Boru originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Boru a common or rare name?
Boru is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Boru more of a girl or boy name?
Boru is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.