Ruby

“Red gemstone” — Associated with passion and love

English origin · Girl name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#65US 2023

3.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

361.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 66 years in top 1000.81% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ruby

ROO·bee

/ˈruː.biː/ · stress on ROO · 2 syllables

“Red gemstone”

Associated with passion and love · English origin

What does Ruby mean and where does it come from?

Ruby is derived from the Latin 'rubeus', which means 'red', referring to the gemstone of the same name. The name became popular in the late 19th century and has maintained its appeal in various cultures given its vibrant connotation. Rubies have historically been associated with passion and love, wh

Cultural significance

Ruby has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red gemstone.

Peak popularity

Reached #22 in 1911 — currently #65 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Ruby?

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

What middle names flow best with Ruby?

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

Ruby Grace

How popular is Ruby right now?

Holding steady — currently #65 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#65 · Top 0.05%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#65	3,356	▼ down 3 · -7% births
2022	#62	3,619	stable · +1% births
2021	#62	3,596	▲ up 12 · +9% births
2020	#74	3,308	▲ up 9 · -4% births
2015	#83	3,462	▲ up 30 · +24% births
2010	#113	2,794	▲ up 17 · +13% births
2005	#130	2,470	▲ up 128 · +95% births
2000	#258	1,264	▲ up 2 · +20% births
1995	#260	1,053	▲ up 31 · +10% births
1990	#291	953	▲ up 93 · +61% births
1985	#384	592	▼ down 27 · -10% births
1980	#357	660	▼ down 11 · +5% births
1975	#346	629	▲ up 11 · -9% births
1970	#357	695	▼ down 81 · -29% births
1965	#276	985	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ruby

Best Year1915Rank #24

Peak Count8,337

Average Rank#146

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Ruby

Ruby has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #22 in 1911. More than 361,746 babies have been named Ruby since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #149 in 1880 to #65 in 2023. Ruby is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Ruby in 1911:

Mary Helen Margaret Dorothy Ruth

Ruby by decade

Ruby peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	2,645
1890s	8,819
1900s	18,354
1910s	60,811
1920s ★	77,385
1930s	48,170
1940s	32,139
1950s	20,703
1960s	10,276
1970s	6,519
1980s	6,450
1990s	10,689
2000s	22,069
2010s	33,400
2020s	3,317

What are good nicknames for Ruby?

Common

What names sound and feel like Ruby?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ruby also consider these

Rubby

American · Bright red gem

Luby

American · A derivation possibly

Hruby

International · A International name

Rudy

American · Famous wolf

Rubi

Spanish · Ruby or red

Ruba

Arabic · the name means

Rwby

English · A beloved name

Lucy

England · light

How is Ruby written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Ruby

What does the name Ruby mean?

Ruby means "Red gemstone" — a name rooted in English 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 Ruby?

Ruby is currently ranked #65 in the United States 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 Ruby?

Ruby originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Ruby?

Ruby is a two-syllable name pronounced R UW1 B IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ruby more of a girl or boy name?

Ruby is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.