Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ruthie
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “pet form of Ruth; possibly friend”
- Meaning
- pet form of Ruth; possibly friend (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ROO-thee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #781
- US babies 2025
- 349
- Best rank
- #314 (1935)
- Peak year
- 1927
Meaning and origin of Ruthie
Ruthie is often said to mean “pet form of Ruth; possibly friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Hebrew roots.
Ruthie is an affectionate pet form of Ruth, a Hebrew name of uncertain meaning, often said to mean friend or companion. In the Bible, Ruth is the loyal Moabite widow who stays with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, Whither thou goest, I will go. She becomes the great-grandmother of King David. Ruthie sounds sweet and warm, with a vintage charm. It can stand alone or serve as a nickname for Ruth.
Popularity over time
Ruthie 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 88 different years. Its best national rank was #314 in 1935, and the most babies received it in 1927, when 428 were named Ruthie. In 2025, 349 babies were named Ruthie, and it ranked #781 nationally. That is 160% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #442 in 1920, #412 in 1950, #1,731 in 1980, #4,376 in 2000, #1,974 in 2010, and #781 in 2025. Of the 22,624 US girls named Ruthie since records began, 17% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 3,785 babies. Since 2010, 2,863 more have been named Ruthie.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Wilda, Lenore, Bertie, Dolly, and Earline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ruthie ranked highest in Tennessee, Missouri, and Iowa.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | #280 | 28 |
| Missouri | #371 | 17 |
| Iowa | #380 | 9 |
| Mississippi | #380 | 8 |
| Alabama | #388 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ruthie is usually pronounced ROO-thee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with R and ends in “-ie”.
Middle names for Ruthie
A few middle names that flow with Ruthie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ruthie
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Lists that include Ruthie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruthie mean?
Ruthie is often said to mean “pet form of Ruth; possibly friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Ruthie?
Ruthie has English and Hebrew roots. Ruthie is an affectionate pet form of Ruth, a Hebrew name of uncertain meaning, often said to mean friend or companion.
Is Ruthie a popular name?
Yes. Ruthie ranked #781 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ruthie a boy or girl name?
Ruthie is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ruthie?
Ruthie is usually pronounced ROO-thee. 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