Ruth is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #545 in 2023 with 71 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 381 births ranking #120. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 81.4%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 3,614 girls born was named Ruth. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Ruth is a sturdy biblical classic usually understood to mean 'friend' or 'companion'. It feels plainspoken, loyal, and deeply rooted.
The name comes from the Hebrew Bible and has remained in use for centuries across Jewish and Christian traditions. Its strength lies in its simplicity and moral clarity.