All about the name

Ruth

Female

« Ruth is a Hebrew female given name meaning 'friend' or 'companion', popularized in the U.S. during the late 19th century. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Ruth is a female given name of Hebrew origin that means "friend" or "companion". In the Bible, Ruth was an Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and later chose to leave her own people to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her husband's death. This story has been used as a testament to loyalty and devotion throughout history. The name Ruth first gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century, but it has since fallen out of fashion and is now considered somewhat old-fashioned. However, there are still many notable individuals named Ruth throughout history, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a prominent American jurist and advocate for gender equality. Overall, while Ruth may not be as commonly used today, its Hebrew origins and biblical significance make it a name with rich historical and cultural ties.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ruth since 1880

Total births
832,503
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
26,102 births
in 2023
1,594
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+60%
vs previous 5 years