Ruth
Meaning of Ruth
The name Ruth is a timeless and classic choice for a baby girl, with deep historical and cultural roots. Originating from the Hebrew word "רְעוּת" (Re'ut), meaning "friend" or "companion," Ruth has been cherished across generations and cultures. It is most famously associated with the biblical figure Ruth, whose story of loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi is celebrated in the Old Testament. The name has maintained a steady presence in the United States, ranking within the top 200 names consistently over recent years. It reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s when it was among the top ten names for girls. Pronounced as ROOTH (/ruːθ/), this elegant name also offers endearing variations such as Ruthie, making it versatile for different stages of life. Whether you are drawn to its historical significance or its simple yet strong sound, Ruth remains a beloved choice for many parents today.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as ROOTH (/ruːθ/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Ruth
| Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an influential American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, known for her landmark opinions and passionate dissents. |
| Dr. Ruth, born Karola Ruth Westheimer, is a renowned German-American sex therapist, talk show host, author, professor, and Holocaust survivor. |
| Ruth Negga is an acclaimed Irish actress known for her roles in Preacher and Loving, for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and for her Tony-nominated performance as Lady Macbeth on Broadway. |
| Ruth Simmons is a prominent American professor and academic administrator, known for her groundbreaking roles as the first African American president of an Ivy League institution at Brown University and her presidency at Prairie View A&M University. |
| Ruth Wilson is an accomplished English actress known for her roles in Jane Eyre, Luther, The Affair, Mrs Wilson, and His Dark Materials, as well as her work in films such as The Lone Ranger and Saving Mr. Banks. |
| Ruth Ann Moorehouse is a former member of the Manson Family who was involved in a plot to murder a fellow member but ultimately avoided serving a prison sentence. |
| Ruth Cupp was a trailblazing American lawyer, judge, and author who made history as the first woman admitted to the Charleston County Bar Association and served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. |
| Ruth May Fox - Ruth Fox was a 19th-century English-born American women's rights activist, poet, hymn writer, and leader of youth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| Ruth Cowan Nash was the first woman war correspondent known for her groundbreaking coverage of World War II, particularly her reporting on the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and major battles for the Associated Press. |
| Ruth Elizabeth Warrick was an American singer, actress, and political activist, best known for her role as Phoebe Tyler Wallingford on All My Children, and for her film debut in Citizen Kane. |
| Ruth Deech, Baroness Deech - Baroness Ruth Deech is a prominent British academic, lawyer, bioethicist, and politician known for her leadership roles in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and St Anne's College, Oxford. |
| Ruth Marianna Handler, an American businesswoman and inventor, is best known for creating the iconic Barbie doll and co-founding the toy manufacturer Mattel. |
| Ruth E. Carter is an award-winning American costume designer known for her work on films like Malcolm X, Amistad, and Black Panther, making her the first African-American to win and be nominated for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards. |
| Ruth Langsford - Ruth Wendy Holmes is an English television presenter known for her long-standing role on This Morning and appearances on shows like Loose Women and Strictly Come Dancing. |
| Ruth Dreifuss is a Swiss economist, unionist, and politician who served as a member of the Federal Council (Switzerland) from 1993 to 2002, including as Vice President in 1998 and President in 1999 for the Social Democratic Party. |
