Ruth has spent many years on the top 100 list when considering the past century and a half. It is popular among families of the Christian faith and among parents who love vintage-sounding names. This delicate and beautiful option originates from Biblical times among the Hebrew people. Nowadays, however, the name Ruth isn't used as much. Let's explore what you need to know about this classic name.
Meaning and Origin of the name Ruth:
The baby name Ruth is a Hebrew name seen throughout the Old Testament. In Hebrew, the name Ruth means “compassionate friend” or “friendship.” An entire book in the Bible is dedicated to this Moabite woman. She is said to have been an ancestor of David, making the name important to the Protestants during the Reformation. The name became one of the most popular in America with the birth of Grover Cleveland's daughter.
Symbolism of the name Ruth:
The baby name Ruth means “friendship” as it comes from the Hebrew word “re'ut.” “Re'ut” actually means “friend.” This Moabite woman displayed the loyalty desired in any friendship with her mother-in-law.
Nicknames for the name Ruth:
- Rue
- Ruru
- Ruthie
- Ruthee
- Ruthy
- Ru
- RiRi
- Rae
Style of the name Ruth:
Classical
Gender of the name Ruth:
Ruth is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Ruth:
ROOTH
Number of syllables in the name Ruth:
One
Emotion evoked from the name Ruth:
Ruth is a beautiful baby name that is delicate and simple. It has a quiet strength rooted in kindness and loyalty.
Alternative spellings for the name Ruth:
- Ruthe
- Rhuth
- Rooth
- Roothe
Popularity of the name Ruth:
Ruth was a top 5 baby name from 1900 to 1922, becoming a top 10 name until 1930 and a top 20 name until 1937. The baby name remained a top 50 option until 1950 and a top 100 until 1961. As of the year 2020, Ruth ranks at number 220.
Related names for the name Ruth:
Great middle names for Ruth and their meanings:
- Caroline (strong)
- Naomi (pleasantness)
- Evangeline (gospel, good news)
- Julianna (youthful)
- Dianna (divine)
- Arabella (answered prayer)
- Isadora (gift of Isis)
- Lilliana (lily flower)
Famous people with the name Ruth:
- Ruth Cleveland (daughter of President Grover Cleveland)
- Ruth Wilson (actress, “The Affair”)
- Ruth Buzzi (comedian)
- Ruth Benedict (anthropologist)
- Ruth Disney (sister of Walt Disney)
- Ruth Malcolmson (Miss America from 1924)
- Ruth Bell Graham (wife of Billy Graham)
Ruths in popular culture:
- Ruth (book in the Bible, Biblical character)
- Ruth (main character in “Never Let Me Go” book)
- Ruth Camden (character from “7th Heaven”)
- Ruth Pinch (character from “Martin Chuzzlewit”)
- Ruth Stockwool (character from “The Well-Beloved”)
- Ruth (character from Ghost Rider comics)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock.com.