What Does the Name Ruth Mean?
Ruth is generally traced to the Hebrew re'ut, meaning "friend" or "female companion," reflecting the loyalty and devotion central to the biblical figure who carries the name.
The Origin & History of Ruth
Ruth is the central figure of the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible, a Moabite woman whose steadfast devotion to her widowed mother-in-law Naomi becomes a defining story of loyalty; she later becomes the great-grandmother of King David. The name became especially popular in English-speaking countries after the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names surged in use.
Cultural Reach
Ruth has stayed in steady use for over four centuries in English, valued for its brevity and deep biblical resonance, and remains one of the most recognizable one-syllable names for girls.
Famous People Named Ruth
Notable bearers include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court from 1993 to 2020.
Nicknames & Variations
Ruth is most often used as-is; "Ruthie" is the most common nickname.
Is Ruth a Good Name in 2026?
Ruth continues to appeal as a short, strong classic, part of the broader return of simple biblical and vintage names.