Rue

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Rue

Pronounced ROO /ˈru/High

Meaning: From the word rue — a bitter, fragrant herb (Greek rhute), and the verb 'to rue', to regret or feel compassion; also French rue, 'a street'; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A fragrant herb: Rue is the word/plant-name 'rue' — a herb (and 'to feel compassion'). Soft, gentle, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowEnglish, French

MeaningFrom the word rue — a bitter, fragrant herb (Greek rhute), and the verb 'to rue', to regret or feel compassion; also French rue, 'a street'; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5596 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 309

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

Rue comes from the word rue — a bitter, aromatic herb (Greek rhute, the 'herb of grace', long a symbol of repentance and mercy) — and the verb 'to rue', to regret or feel compassion (Old English hreowan); it is also French rue, 'a street' (routes layered, which we note; the gentle Rue of The Hunger Games). A soft, gentle, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; said 'ROO').

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-fragrant-herb at the root, and gentle.

Did you know? Rue is a bitter, fragrant herb (the 'herb of grace') — and 'to rue' means to regret or feel pity — a soft, gentle word/plant-name, used for both sexes (the brave Rue of The Hunger Games; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'ROO').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — rue — routes layered

Variations

RooRu

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rue…

Reed— a companion short nature boys' name

Sage— a fellow herb word-name

Wren— another short nature name

Rye— a fellow English choice

Koe— echoes that soft -e sound

Explore names like Rue

By themeuncertain english word-name unisex french plant-name

By meaningGentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rue mean?

Rue is the word for 'a fragrant herb', and 'to rue', to feel regret or compassion; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Rue?

It's said ROO /ˈru/ — one syllable.

Is Rue a boy or girl name?

Rue is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Rue?

Rue is a rare name in the U.S.