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Ruthie

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROOTH-ee /ˈɹuːθ.iː/High

Meaning: Companion or friend; the diminutive of Ruth, from the Hebrew Rut meaning companion, friend, or possibly vision of beautyHigh

In 30 seconds: Ruthie is the sweet diminutive of the biblical name Ruth meaning companion or friend, adding a playful -ie suffix to one of the Bible's most beloved characters, the loyal Moabite daughter-in-law who stayed with Naomi.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningCompanion or friend; the diminutive of Ruth, from the Hebrew Rut meaning companion, friend, or possibly vision of beauty
U.S. rank (2025)#781 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births349 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1927
Total births (all-time)≈ 22,620

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192718802025

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

History & Origin

Ruthie is a diminutive of Ruth, from the Hebrew Rut, whose meaning is debated but most commonly given as companion, friend, or possibly vision of beauty. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite, and after her husband's death remained loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, eventually marrying Boaz.

Ruth was one of the most popular names in early 20th-century America, ranking in the top 5 for decades. Ruthie as a pet form was widely used in the same era and is now experiencing a gentle revival as parents seek charming -ie diminutives. It stands independently from the more formal Ruth.

Did you know? The Book of Ruth is one of only two books in the Hebrew Bible named after a woman. Ruth's declaration to Naomi, wherever you go, I will go, is considered one of the most famous statements of loyalty in all of literature and is regularly used in modern wedding ceremonies.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Ruth — Hebrew etymology underlying RuthieU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RuthRuthyRuthye

Nicknames

Rue

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ruthie…

Hattie— same beloved Victorian -ie diminutive now standing as a full name
Lettie— shares the sweet short -ie ending vintage feminine revival pattern
Nellie— fellow Victorian -ie nickname transitioning to full name status
Bessie— same warm, old-fashioned -ie feminine diminutive with biblical roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruthie mean?

Ruthie carries the meaning of Ruth, from the Hebrew Rut meaning companion or friend.

How do you pronounce Ruthie?

It is said ROOTH-ee, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ruthie a nickname for Ruth?

Yes, Ruthie is the traditional pet form of Ruth but is now used as a full given name in its own right.

Is Ruthie a popular name?

Ruthie is uncommon but rising, part of the vintage -ie diminutive revival alongside Hattie, Lottie, and Millie.