On "Gilmore Girls," Rory's given first name is Lorelai, the same name as her mother. Rory is the nickname she uses throughout the series, while Lorelai is her formal given name.
The repeated name reflects the show's central mother-daughter bond. Lorelai chose to name her daughter after herself, continuing a family naming tradition: Lorelai's own mother is also named Lorelai Gilmore, although she is usually called Trix. This makes Rory's full name part of a three-generation pattern.
Rory's name is also a frequent source of confusion because nearly everyone calls her Rory from the opening episode onward. The nickname helps distinguish her from her mother, especially in dialogue, where both women are otherwise Lorelai Gilmore. The series sometimes uses her formal name in school, legal, or emotionally significant situations.
Rory's relationship with her mother is the heart of the series, which premiered in 2000 and follows them from Stars Hollow through Rory's school and college years.