Ruth: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Ruth is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "companion" or "friend." It carries deep biblical significance as the loyal daughter-in-law in the Book of Ruth.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | Companion, friend (possibly also "vision of beauty") |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | ROOTH |
Etymology of Ruth
Ruth derives from the Hebrew name רוּת (Rut), traditionally interpreted as meaning "companion" or "friend." Some scholars also suggest a possible connection to the Hebrew word רְעוּת (re'ut), meaning "friendship" or "association."
The etymology is not entirely certain, and an alternative theory links the name to a Hebrew root meaning "to see," potentially translating as "vision" or "appearance." This interpretation, however, is less widely accepted than the "companion" meaning.
The name entered English through the Latin Vulgate Bible, where the Hebrew רוּת was transliterated as Ruth. It became established in English-speaking countries following the Protestant Reformation, when vernacular Bible reading became widespread.
History of Ruth
Origins and Early Use
Ruth's earliest and most significant appearance is in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Ruth, dated to approximately the 6th–4th century BCE. The biblical Ruth was a Moabite woman who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi, choosing to leave her homeland and adopt the God of Israel. Her story culminates in her marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of King David—and ultimately, in Christian tradition, of Jesus Christ.
As a biblical name, Ruth was used sporadically in Jewish communities throughout antiquity and the medieval period, though it was not among the most common biblical names for girls.
Rise to Popularity
Ruth's widespread adoption in English-speaking countries began in the 16th and 17th centuries, during the Protestant Reformation. Puritans and other reformist groups favored Old Testament names, particularly those of virtuous biblical figures. Ruth embodied loyalty, faith, and moral steadfastness—qualities highly valued in Puritan culture.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 16th–17th c. | Protestant Reformation | English Puritans adopt Ruth as a virtue name |
| Late 19th c. | Victorian biblical revival | Ruth becomes a top-5 name in the US |
| 1920s–1930s | Peak popularity | Ruth ranks #2–#5, reflecting continued biblical naming trends |
| 1940s–1980s | Gradual decline | Post-war shift toward modern names reduces Ruth's usage |
| 2010s–present | Modest revival | Vintage name trends bring Ruth back into favor |
Modern Usage
Ruth experienced extraordinary popularity in the United States from the 1890s through the 1930s, consistently ranking in the top 10 and peaking at #2 in 1893. By the mid-20th century, its usage declined as parents favored more contemporary names. However, Ruth has seen a resurgence in recent years as part of the broader "vintage revival" trend, rising from #339 in the 2000s to #172 in 2024.
Today, Ruth is appreciated for its simplicity, biblical heritage, and timeless quality. It is often chosen by parents seeking a classic, understated name with religious significance.
Key insight: Ruth rose because of Protestant reverence for biblical virtue names, and declined as mid-20th-century parents moved toward modern and invented names, but has recently stabilized as classic names regained favor.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Ruth when they want to convey faithfulness, warmth, and tradition, especially in contexts involving religious heritage, family loyalty, or a preference for timeless, unpretentious names.
Variants of Ruth
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ruth | Standard form |
| Hebrew | רוּת (Rut) | Original biblical form |
| Spanish | Rut | Simplified spelling, common in Latin America |
| French | Ruth | Same spelling, different pronunciation (RÜT) |
| German | Ruth | Same spelling as English |
| Russian | Руфь (Ruf') | Slavic adaptation |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames for Ruth include:
- Ruthie
- Rue
Similar Names
- Naomi - Biblical companion to Ruth; same book of the Bible
- Esther - Another virtuous Old Testament woman
- Edith - Shares the vintage, classic quality and similar sound pattern
Ruth Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #5 | 4,765 |
| 1920s | #5 | 26,102 |
| 1940s | #24 | 8,887 |
| 1960s | #97 | 4,942 |
| 1980s | #207 | 1,258 |
| 2000s | #339 | 909 |
| 2020s | #219 | 1,326 |
| 2024s | #172 | 1,767 |
Peak: 1893, ranked #3 (3,658 births)
Current (2024): #172 (1,767 births)
Trend analysis: Ruth's resurgence reflects the current trend toward vintage names with biblical or historical roots, particularly short, classic names that feel both traditional and fresh.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Ruth as a Username
Availability
"ruth" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to its brevity and classic status, it is a highly desirable handle.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ruth | Professional, personal branding |
| With numbers | ruth24, ruth99 | Gaming, forums |
| Abbreviated | ru, ruthy | Social media, casual platforms |
| Stylized | xruth, ruthx | Creative accounts, music, art |
Digital Impression
Ruth as an ID tends to project:
- Simplicity and directness - because it is a short, one-syllable name with no complex spelling
- Timelessness and reliability - because it is a classic biblical name with centuries of usage
- Warmth and approachability - because of its soft sound and friendly meaning
Best for: Personal blogs, professional profiles, faith-based communities, creative writing accounts
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want a handle that conveys edginess or modernity.
Is Ruth good for a username?
Ruth works well as a username if you value simplicity, tradition, and a warm, approachable tone. However, due to its brevity and classic status, availability is limited on major platforms. Consider variations like "ruthwrites," "ruthcreates," or "ruth_official" to secure a handle while preserving the name's core identity.
FAQ
What does Ruth mean?
Ruth means "companion" or "friend" from Hebrew, though some sources also suggest "vision of beauty."
Is Ruth popular?
According to SSA data, Ruth ranks #172 in the US (2024). It is rising, part of a broader trend favoring vintage biblical names.
What are nicknames for Ruth?
Common nicknames: Ruthie, Rue.
Is Ruth a boy's or girl's name?
Ruth is traditionally a female name. It is almost exclusively used for girls in modern times, though the biblical character's name has occasionally been adapted for boys in some cultures.
How do you pronounce Ruth?
Ruth is pronounced ROOTH (rhymes with "truth"). In French, it may be pronounced closer to RÜT, with a rounded vowel.
Is Ruth good for a username?
Ruth works well as a username if you value simplicity and classic appeal, though availability may require variation such as "ruthwrites" or "ruth_official."
Related Names
- Naomi - Biblical companion to Ruth; same book of the Bible
- Esther - Another virtuous Old Testament woman; similar classic biblical quality
- Edith - Shares vintage revival status and simple, strong sound
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026