Ruth: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced ROOTH · 1 syllable
Ruth means “companion, friend”, from Hebrew.
From Ruth the Moabite, Hebrew, of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "companion". Also associated with the English noun ruth (“compassion”) by Puritans.
- Meaning
- companion, friend
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ROOTH
- US rank (2025)
- #173
- US babies a year
- about 1,684 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1900
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Biblical, Classic
How popular is Ruth?
Ruth was the #173 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,781 babies. It’s rising: up 68% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #173 |
| England & Wales | #582 |
| Scotland | #765 |
| Ireland | #249 |
| France | #995 |
| Norway | #286 |
| Canada | #371 |
| Australia | #337 |
How old are people named Ruth?
Half of US adults named Ruth are older than 70; most are between 27 and 91. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Ruth
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Ruth have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Ruth
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Ruth
What does the name Ruth mean?
Ruth means “companion, friend”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Ruth?
Ruth is pronounced ROOTH.
How popular is the name Ruth?
Ruth was the #173 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,781 babies. It’s rising: up 68% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
How old are people named Ruth?
Half of US adults named Ruth are older than 70. Most are between 27 and 91.