What does Ruth mean and where does it come from?
The name Ruth, spelled רוּת in Hebrew, comes from the Biblical Book of Ruth. It is associated with loyalty and friendship, as Ruth is known for her devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi. The name has been prevalent in both Jewish and Christian communities for centuries. In recent years, it has maintai
Cultural significance
Ruth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of friend, companion.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 1893 — currently #187 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ruth?
Ruth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ruth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ruth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ruth Claire
French influence · crisp
Ruth Jane
Literary · strong
Ruth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ruth right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #187 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #187 | 1,602 | ▼ down 8 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #179 | 1,666 | ▲ up 8 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #187 | 1,578 | ▲ up 33 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #220 | 1,315 | ▲ up 72 · +19% births |
| 2015 | #292 | 1,103 | ▲ up 54 · +19% births |
| 2010 | #346 | 930 | stable · +3% births |
| 2005 | #346 | 906 | ▼ down 7 |
| 2000 | #339 | 907 | ▼ down 19 · +6% births |
| 1995 | #320 | 852 | ▼ down 15 · -6% births |
| 1990 | #305 | 906 | ▼ down 73 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #232 | 1,116 | ▼ down 24 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #208 | 1,254 | ▼ down 9 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #199 | 1,230 | ▼ down 21 · -32% births |
| 1970 | #178 | 1,817 | ▼ down 60 · -44% births |
| 1965 | #118 | 3,230 | — |
The story of Ruth
Ruth has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 1893, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 830K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Ruth is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ruth in 1893:
Ruth by decade
Ruth peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5,308 | |
| 1890s | 32,974 | |
| 1900s | 51,178 | |
| 1910s | 174,125 | |
| 1920s ★ | 219,212 | |
| 1930s | 109,759 | |
| 1940s | 85,960 | |
| 1950s | 62,654 | |
| 1960s | 34,319 | |
| 1970s | 13,512 | |
| 1980s | 11,309 | |
| 1990s | 8,737 | |
| 2000s | 9,144 | |
| 2010s | 10,788 | |
| 2020s | 1,315 | |
What are good nicknames for Ruth?
What names sound and feel like Ruth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ruth also consider these
Common questions about the name Ruth
What does the name Ruth mean?
Ruth means "friend, companion" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Ruth?
Ruth is currently ranked #187 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ruth have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ruth?
Ruth originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Ruth?
Ruth is a one-syllable name pronounced R UW1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Ruth sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Ruth flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ruth ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.