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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ruka

Ruka

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROO-kah /ˈru.kɑ/Medium

Meaning: From the Japanese — variously written 'a shining/lapis flower' and 'light', depending on the kanji; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A shining flower; light: Ruka is Japanese. Sweet, modern, and warm (said 'ROO-kah'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowJapanese
MeaningFrom the Japanese — variously written 'a shining/lapis flower' and 'light', depending on the kanji; used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#8803 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 21

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420222024

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

Ruka comes from the Japanese — variously written 'a shining/lapis flower' and 'light', depending on the kanji; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A sweet, modern name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'ROO-kah').

In the U.S. it appears in Japanese families. Rare, a-shining-flower at the root, and sweet.

Did you know? Ruka is variously written 'a shining/lapis flower' and 'light' in Japanese, depending on the kanji — a sweet name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'ROO-kah').
Overall data confidence 32%
References — Ruka — unisex; routes layered

Variations

RucaRukah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ruka…

Riku— a companion Japanese boys' name
Ryo— the same unisex feel
Kota— a fellow Japanese choice
Akai— another unisex pick
Rumi— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Ruka

By themeuncertainunisexjapanese
By meaningLightFlower

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruka mean?

Ruka is Japanese, variously 'a shining flower' and 'light' (depending on the kanji); used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Ruka?

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

Is Ruka a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Ruka?

Ruka is a very rare name in the U.S.

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