Ruby

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROO-bee /ˈru.bi/High

Meaning: From the word ruby — from Latin rubeus, 'red' — a precious red gemstone; predominantly a girls' name; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: A precious red gem: Ruby is the gemstone word-name — 'a red jewel'. Warm and bright; predominantly a girls' name, here for boys.

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Origin LowLatin

MeaningFrom the word ruby — from Latin rubeus, 'red' — a precious red gemstone; predominantly a girls' name; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#5386 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1927

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,099

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ruby comes from the word ruby — from Latin rubeus, 'red' — the precious deep-red gemstone, the birthstone of July, long a symbol of love and vitality. A warm, vintage gem-name — predominantly a girls' name, here covered for boys honestly (slug distinguished; also occasionally a pet form of Reuben for boys).

It registers thinly for boys. Rare for boys, a-red-gemstone at the root, and warm.

Did you know? Ruby names the precious red gemstone (Latin rubeus, 'red') — a warm, vintage gem-name — overwhelmingly a girls' name, occasionally given to boys (which we flag; also a nickname for Reuben).

Overall data confidence 55%

Behind the Name — Ruby — root etymology

Variations

RubeeReubenRubin

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ruby…

Reuben— a boys' name Ruby can pet

Red— a fellow red colour name

Onyx— another gemstone word-name

Rene— another Latin name

Remi— another unisex pick

Explore names like Ruby

By themelatin unisex word-name gem-name

By meaningJewel / Gem Rock / Stone

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruby mean?

Ruby is the word for 'a ruby' (the precious red gemstone; Latin 'red').

How do you pronounce Ruby?

It's said ROO-bee /ˈru.bi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ruby a boy or girl name?

Ruby is predominantly a girls' name; this page covers its use for boys.

How popular is Ruby?

Ruby is very rare for boys in the U.S.