Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Reuben
BoyHebrew· “behold, a son”
- Meaning
- behold, a son
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ROO-buhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #889
- US babies 2025
- 269
- Best rank
- #149 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Reuben
Reuben is a Hebrew name that means “behold, a son”.
Reuben comes from the Hebrew Reuven, usually understood as behold, a son. In the Book of Genesis, Reuben is the eldest son of Jacob and Leah and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has long been used in Jewish communities and was adopted by English Puritans. It is also the name of the famous Reuben sandwich of corned beef and sauerkraut. Today Reuben has a warm, vintage appeal and is especially popular in Britain. Rue and Ruby are playful nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ruben.
Popularity over time
Reuben has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #149 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 465 were named Reuben. In 2025, 269 babies were named Reuben, and it ranked #889 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #254 in 1920, #464 in 1950, #495 in 1980, #775 in 2000, #978 in 2010, and #889 in 2025. Of the 32,145 US boys named Reuben since records began, 12% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 3,274 babies. Since 2010, 4,008 more have been named Reuben.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wilmer, Edmond, Kermit, Elmo, and Elton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Reuben ranked highest in Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | #368 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | #385 | 28 |
| Missouri | #455 | 14 |
| Iowa | #487 | 7 |
| Michigan | #563 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Reuben is usually pronounced ROO-buhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with R and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ruben.
Middle names for Reuben
A few middle names that flow with Reuben: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Reuben
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Lists that include Reuben
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reuben mean?
Reuben is a Hebrew name that means “behold, a son”.
What is the origin of the name Reuben?
Reuben has Hebrew roots. Reuben comes from the Hebrew Reuven, usually understood as behold, a son.
Is Reuben a popular name?
Yes. Reuben ranked #889 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Reuben a boy or girl name?
Reuben is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Reuben?
Reuben is usually pronounced ROO-buhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings