Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ruhi
GirlArabic, Hindi· “spiritual, of the soul”
- Meaning
- spiritual, of the soul
- Origin
- Arabic, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- ROO-hee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,115
- US babies 2025
- 89
- Best rank
- #1,838 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Ruhi
Ruhi is an Arabic and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “spiritual, of the soul”.
Ruhi comes from the Arabic ruh, "spirit" or "soul," and means "spiritual" or "of the soul." The word passed into Persian, Turkish and Urdu, and the name is used across those cultures, though its gender varies: in India it is mainly a girls' name, while in Turkey it has long been used for boys. It is said ROO-hee. Related names include Ruh and Ruhani. Its two open syllables are simple for English speakers, and the meaning suggests inner life and devotion without being overtly religious. It pairs easily with longer middle names in English, Hindi or Arabic.
Popularity over time
Ruhi first appears in US Social Security records in 1989. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,838 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 107 babies. In 2025, 89 babies were named Ruhi, and it ranked #2,115 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #8,437 in 2000, #5,215 in 2010, and #2,115 in 2025. Of the 1,333 US girls named Ruhi since records began, 40% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 532 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kynnedi, Alaska, Adora, Zayda, and Coco.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ruhi ranked highest in New Jersey, Washington, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #922 | 8 |
| Washington | #1023 | 6 |
| Illinois | #1215 | 7 |
| California | #1562 | 15 |
| North Carolina | #1641 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ruhi is usually pronounced ROO-hee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-hi”.
Middle names for Ruhi
A few middle names that flow with Ruhi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ruhi
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Lists that include Ruhi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruhi mean?
Ruhi is an Arabic and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “spiritual, of the soul”.
What is the origin of the name Ruhi?
Ruhi has Arabic and Hindi roots. Ruhi comes from the Arabic ruh, "spirit" or "soul," and means "spiritual" or "of the soul." The word passed into Persian, Turkish and Urdu, and the name is used across those cultures, though its gender varies: in India it is mainly a girls' name, while in Turkey it has long been used for boys.
Is Ruhi a popular name?
Not especially. Ruhi ranked #2,115 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ruhi a boy or girl name?
Ruhi is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ruhi?
Ruhi is usually pronounced ROO-hee. 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