Ruth

“Possibly 'companion' (Hebrew origin uncertain)” — Hebrew origin

Girl's name · #173 in the US (2025) · Comeback

Ruth was #3 in 1893, slipped to #363, and is currently back at #173. It has spent 29 years inside the national top 5. Ruth's short forms are Ruthie and Ruthy.

Around the world: #88 in Sweden (2025).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 49 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Ruths

Ruth Bader Ginsburg — American lawyer and jurist (1933–2020)
Ruth Benedict — American anthropologist and folklorologist (1887-1948)
Ruth Gordon — American actress and writer (1896–1985)
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala — German-born British-American author (1927-2013)
Ruth Handler — American businesswoman

In stories & tradition

Ruth — human biblical figure
Ruth Evershed — Spooks
Ruth Powers — The Simpsons

What Ruths become

Among 3,816 notable people named Ruth:

Medical professionals appear 1.65× more often than among typical names — e.g. Ruth Pfau, German-Pakistani physician and Catholic nun (1929–2017).

Similar names: Ruthie · Elsie · Ruby · Esther · Annie · Ada

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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