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Ruth

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROOTH /ruːθ/High

Meaning: Companion, friend — from Hebrew <em>rut</em> (companion, friend), possibly related to <em>re'ut</em> (friendship)Medium

In 30 seconds: One of the great names of the Hebrew Bible, Ruth means 'companion' or 'friend.' Her story of loyalty — 'Where you go, I will go' — is one of the most beloved in all of literature.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningCompanion, friend — from Hebrew <em>rut</em> (companion, friend), possibly related to <em>re'ut</em> (friendship)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 823,577

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ruth is an ancient Hebrew name of uncertain but traditionally given etymology, associated with the Hebrew rut meaning 'companion' or 'friend.' The Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible recounts the story of Ruth the Moabite, whose loyalty to Naomi became a model of devotion. The name has been in continuous use in Jewish and Christian communities for millennia.

Ruth was extremely popular in the United States in the early 20th century, ranking in the top 5 girls' names from 1900 to the 1930s. It declined mid-century but has never disappeared and is enjoying a quiet revival as part of the vintage single-syllable trend. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020) gave the name renewed cultural prominence.

Did you know? The Book of Ruth is one of only two books in the Hebrew Bible named after a woman (the other being Esther). Ruth is notable for being a Moabite — a foreigner — who chose to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi after both their husbands died, uttering the immortal declaration of loyalty: 'Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge.'

Variations

Ruthe

Nicknames

Ruthie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Ruth (biblical) (c. 1000 BC (traditional))
    Moabite woman whose story of loyalty to Naomi is recorded in the Book of Ruth; ancestor of King David.
  • ★Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)
    Second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, a pioneering figure in women's legal rights.

If you like Ruth…

June— one-syllable vintage girls' name enjoying the same revival momentum

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruth mean?

Ruth comes from Hebrew, traditionally meaning 'companion' or 'friend,' though the exact etymology is debated.

How do you pronounce Ruth?

Ruth is pronounced ROOTH /ruːθ/ — one syllable.

Is Ruth a boy or girl name?

Ruth is a girls' name.

How popular is Ruth?

Ruth was a U.S. top-5 girls' name in the early 20th century, declined mid-century, and is now enjoying a revival as a vintage classic.