Ruth

Ruth is a female first name of biblical origin and may encompass the meanings 'the Satisfier', 'the Refreshment', or 'the Comfort'. The name comes from ancient Hebrew and is derived from the word rwh (רוה), which means 'to be satisfied or made full'.

What does the name Ruth mean?

The name Ruth has biblical roots and is often associated with the meanings 'the Satisfier', 'the Refreshment', or 'the Comfort'. It originates from ancient Hebrew, where the element rwh (רוה) means 'to be satisfied or made full'. Additionally, Ruth is frequently interpreted as 'the Companion', 'the Friend', or 'the Partner', with a religious interpretation also including 'the Friend of God'. This derivation comes from the ancient Hebrew word re'ut (רְעוּת), which means 'friendship', 'companion', or 'friend', but is considered etymologically problematic. In the 'Book of Ruth' from the Old Testament, the pious Moabite Ruth is described as returning to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi after the death of their husbands. Ruth remarries there and becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus. There are various variants of the name, including Rut, Ruthie, Ruthy, Ruthana, Ruta, Rutha, Ruthle, and Ruut. In Germany, Ruth was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s but experienced a decline afterward, possibly due to the prohibition of Jewish-influenced first names during the Third Reich.

Where does the name Ruth come from?

The name Ruth is a female first name with ancient Hebrew origins, carrying the meanings 'the Refreshment' or 'the Companion'. The ancient Hebrew composition rwh (רוה) means 'to be satisfied or made full', while re'ut (רְעוּת) means friendship, companion, or friend. The name is widespread in various languages, including biblical Hebrew, German, English, Dutch, Limburgish, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Ruth?

The name Ruth is monosyllabic and has a clear sound. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ruth' [ʁuːt]. The long 'u' gives the name a certain depth, while the firm closure with 't' adds a distinctive accent. Ruth conveys an impression of tradition, strength, and presence.

When is the name day of Ruth?

The name day of Ruth is celebrated on July 16 and September 1.

Popularity

Ruth was very popular in Germany from the late 1800s to the early 20th century, frequently ranking in the top 30 to 60. From 1902, the name regularly appeared in the top 10 and was particularly sought after in the 1920s and 1930s, with several placements among the top five. After 1933, a continuous decline began, dropping the name into the ranks between 30 and 60. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ruth was mostly found between positions 70 and 150.

Nicknames & pet names

Rudi / Rudl / Ruhdi / Ruhs / Ruli / Rutha / Ruthahn / Ruthard / Ruthchen / Ruthi / Ruthie / Ruthili / Ruthinette / Ruthita / RuthiTuthi / Ruthkehlchen / Ruthle / Ruthli / Ruthsche / Ruthschka / Ruthschnuuut / Ruthsipupsi / Ruthule / Ruthy / Ruti / Rutie / Rutscha / Rutsche / Rutschi / Rutscho / Rutschu / Rüthen / Trudl

Similar first names

Ruthard

Famous people

• Ruth Abramowitsch (German ballet dancer)
• Ruth Almog (writer from Israel)
• Ruth Ann Baldwin (film director from the USA)
• Ruth Arion (Israeli painter)
• Ruth B (singer)
• Ruth Bari (American mathematician)
• Ruth Behar (Cuban writer)
• Ruth Berghaus (1927–1996, German choreographer, opera and theater director)
• Ruth Brauer-Kvam (Austrian actress)
• Ruth deWittBukater (character from Titanic)
• Ruth Dirx (1913–1994, German author)
• Ruth Dreifuss (former Federal Councillor of Switzerland)
• Ruth Drexel (actress)
• Ruth Faison Shaw (American artist)
• Ruth Flowers (*1940), known as Mamy Rock, British DJ)
• Ruth Frances Long (Irish writer)
• Ruth Fuchs (javelin thrower)
• Ruth Gipps (English pianist)
• Ruth Gollancz (English artist)
• Ruth Hale (American actress)