Rut

“friend” — Associated with the biblical figure Ruth

Israel origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#6356US 2023

19Births / yr

↑Rising

759All-time births

📅 Since 197600

How to pronounce Rut

RUHT

/ˈrət/ · stress on RUHT · 1 syllable

“friend”

Associated with the biblical figure Ruth · Israel origin

What does Rut mean and where does it come from?

The name Rut is of Hebrew origin (רוּת) and is most commonly associated with the biblical figure Ruth, who is known for her loyalty and devotion. The name is widely used in Israel and has gained popularity in the Netherlands as well. The biblical Ruth was a Moabite woman who became part of the linea

Cultural significance

Rut has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of friend.

Peak popularity

Reached #4056 in 2009 — currently #6356 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Rut?

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

Rut Grace

How popular is Rut right now?

Rising fast — up 878 spots — currently #6356 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#6356 · Top 4.7%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6356	19	▲ up 878 · +19% births
2022	#7234	16	▼ down 1111 · -20% births
2021	#6123	20	▲ up 1146 · +33% births
2020	#7269	15	▼ down 471 · -17% births
2015	#6798	18	▼ down 2253 · -44% births
2010	#4545	32	▲ up 633 · +28% births
2005	#5178	25	▼ down 711 · -7% births
2000	#4467	27	▲ up 2021 · +93% births
1995	#6488	14	▲ up 2436 · +56% births
1990	#8924	9	▼ down 2962 · -25% births
1985	#5962	12	▲ up 5558 · +140% births
1980	#11520	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rut

Best Year2000Rank #4467

Peak Count32

Average Rank#6739

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Rut

Rut is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 759 total births recorded, Rut remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11520 in 1980 to #6356 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rut in 2009:

Isabella Emma Olivia Sophia Ava

Rut by decade

Rut peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	15
1980s	72
1990s	152
2000s ★	269
2010s	236
2020s	15

💎Rut has only 759 total recorded births since 1976 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rut?

ENGLISH

Ruthie

ENGLISH

Rue

What names sound and feel like Rut?

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

Ruth

Hebrew · friend, companion

Rus

Slavic countries · Of the Rus'

Ruh

Germanic · spirit

Gut

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hut

Germanic · A Germanic name

How is Rut written in other languages?

רוּת

Hebrew

Common questions about the name Rut

What does the name Rut mean?

Rut means "friend" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Rut?

Rut is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rut have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Rut?

Rut originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Rut?

Rut is a one-syllable name pronounced R AH1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Rut sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Rut flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Rut ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.