Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Ruth
GirlHebrew· “possibly friend, companion”
- Meaning
- possibly friend, companion
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ROOTH
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #173
- US babies 2025
- 1,781
- Best rank
- #3 (1893)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Ruth
Ruth is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “possibly friend, companion”.
Ruth is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament Book of Ruth. Its meaning is usually given as "friend" or "companion," possibly from the Hebrew re'ut, though this is not certain. Ruth is a Moabite woman whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi is summed up in her famous words, "whither thou goest, I will go," and she became an ancestor of King David. The name was taken up by Puritans after the Reformation and has been a steady classic ever since. The English word ruth, meaning "compassion," adds a gentle echo. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a notable modern bearer.
Popularity over time
Ruth 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 #3 in 1893, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 26,102 were named Ruth. In 2025, 1,781 babies were named Ruth, and it ranked #173 nationally. That is 60% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5 in 1920, #49 in 1950, #207 in 1980, #339 in 2000, #345 in 2010, and #173 in 2025. Of the 836,122 US girls named Ruth since records began, 26% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 173,675 babies. Since 2010, 20,603 more have been named Ruth.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Margaret, Mildred, Evelyn, Marie, and Alice.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ruth ranked highest in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #35 | 18 |
| South Dakota | #60 | 15 |
| Idaho | #65 | 27 |
| Minnesota | #72 | 67 |
| Indiana | #89 | 67 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ruth is usually pronounced ROOTH, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-th”.
Middle names for Ruth
A few middle names that flow with Ruth: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ruth
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Lists that include Ruth
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruth mean?
Ruth is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “possibly friend, companion”.
What is the origin of the name Ruth?
Ruth has Hebrew roots. Ruth is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament Book of Ruth.
Is Ruth a popular name?
Yes. Ruth ranked #173 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ruth a boy or girl name?
Ruth is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ruth?
Ruth is usually pronounced ROOTH. 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