Meaning, origin, history
Ruth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "compassionate friend" or "companion". It is derived from the Hebrew word "reut", which means "friendship". In the Bible, Ruth is a Moabite woman who marries an Israelite man named Mahlon. After her husband's death, she remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and follows her to Bethlehem, where she eventually marries another Israelite named Boaz and becomes the ancestor of King David.
The name Ruth has been used throughout history as a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and compassion. It gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages through the story of Ruth in the Bible. Today, it is still a popular name for girls around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In some cultures, the name Ruth is associated with the Hebrew phrase "reut ben" which means "friendship towards others". This further emphasizes the idea of kindness and compassion that the name represents. In other cultures, it may be spelled differently, such as Ruta or Rut, but the meaning remains the same.
Overall, the name Ruth is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a girl's name. It celebrates the values of friendship, loyalty, and compassion while also having historical significance in Jewish culture and beyond.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Ruth since 1880
Total births
2,779
Total since 1880
Peak year
1927
91 births
in 2008
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years