Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ruby
GirlLatin, English· “red gemstone”
- Meaning
- red gemstone
- Origin
- Latin, English
- Pronunciation
- ROO-bee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #64
- US babies 2025
- 3,554
- Best rank
- #22 (1911)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Ruby
Ruby is a Latin and English name that means “red gemstone”.
Ruby is the name of the deep red gemstone, from Latin ruber, "red", by way of Old French. Rubies have long symbolized passion and value, and the gem is the traditional birthstone for July. Ruby became a given name in the nineteenth century along with other jewel names such as Pearl and Opal. After a quiet period it returned as a vintage favorite, admired for its warmth and simplicity. The name has a cheerful bounce, is easy to spell and pronounce, and works across languages. It suits a baby and an adult equally well, and it pairs nicely with longer, more formal middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Rubi, Rubie.
Popularity over time
Ruby 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 #22 in 1911, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 8,406 were named Ruby. In 2025, 3,554 babies were named Ruby, and it ranked #64 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #26 in 1920, #130 in 1950, #357 in 1980, #258 in 2000, #113 in 2010, and #64 in 2025. Of the 376,570 US girls named Ruby since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 60,308 babies. Since 2010, 54,480 more have been named Ruby.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include June, Juanita, Marian, Wilma, and Maxine.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ruby ranked highest in Vermont, Utah, and Wyoming.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ruby is usually pronounced ROO-bee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-by”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Rubi and Rubie.
Middle names for Ruby
A few middle names that flow with Ruby: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ruby
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Lists that include Ruby
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruby mean?
Ruby is a Latin and English name that means “red gemstone”.
What is the origin of the name Ruby?
Ruby has Latin and English roots. Ruby is the name of the deep red gemstone, from Latin ruber, "red", by way of Old French.
Is Ruby a popular name?
Yes. Ruby ranked #64 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Ruby a boy or girl name?
Ruby is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ruby?
Ruby is usually pronounced ROO-bee. 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