RUTH  

Gender: F
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "compassionate friend"

Popularity in 2008: #362

With its air of calm and compassion, Ruth was the second most popular name in 1900, then faded away. Parents tiring of Rachel and Rebecca might want to give it a second thought.

Variations:
Ruthina, Ruthie, Ruthine, Routh, Ruthia, Ruthanne, Ruthi

International Variations:
Rút (Gaelic) Rut (Scandinavian) Ruthven (Scottish)

People who like Ruth also like:

Alice, Josephine, Jane, Peter

Ruth is being discussed in our message boards:

• Nice Scottish place names
• Best of British - some Telegraph birth announcements
• Names in Your Child's Class/Daycare/Playgroup
• AA, BB, CC, DD....GIRLS!
• Nothing seems to go with 'Anderson'... Need First Name!

Read Nameberry blog posts about Ruth:

• THE LOST BOYS’ NAMES OF 1880
• IRISH NAMES NOW: What's doing in Dublin?
• THE CUTEST CELEBRITY BABY NAMES
• HIPPER THAN HIPSTER
• HELLO DOLLY: Names from the Doll World