Ruth
Friend, companion — a girl name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Ruth in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Ruth
Ruth comes from the Hebrew word "re'ut" meaning "friend" or "companion." In the Bible, Ruth is the central figure of the Book of Ruth, a Moabite woman who showed unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of their husbands, famously declaring "Where you go I will go." Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, making her an ancestor of Jesus in Christian tradition. The name was very popular in the early 20th century and, while less common today, it retains a quiet dignity and timeless strength that appeals to parents seeking classic names.
Ruth Around the World
Ruth is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Ruth
Famous People Named Ruth
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg — Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Ruth Handler — American businesswoman who created the Barbie doll
- Babe Ruth — legendary American baseball player
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ruth
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ruth mean?
Ruth is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Friend, companion." Ruth comes from the Hebrew word "re'ut" meaning "friend" or "companion." In the Bible, Ruth is the central figure of the Book of Ruth, a Moabite woman who showed unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of their husbands, famously declaring "Where you go I will go.
How do you pronounce Ruth?
Ruth is pronounced ROOTH. Common variations include Rut, Ruthe, Ruthie.
Is Ruth a girl name?
Yes, Ruth is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ruthie, Rue.
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