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Alternatives to Ruby

  1. Beryl

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sea-green jewel"

    • Description:

      Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.
  2. Rudy

    • Origin:

      German, short form of Rudolph

    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"

    • Description:

      Rudy hasn't yet enjoyed the comeback of cousin name Ruby, despite having been chosen by hip couple Sadie Frost and Jude Law, but it still could happen.
  3. Coral

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"

    • Description:

      A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.
  4. Sapphire

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name

    • Meaning:

      "blue"

    • Description:

      Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the pseudonym of Romona Lofton, who wrote the book Push, which was turned into the movie Precious. Sapphire entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, and is proving to be one of the freshest gem names for girls. Another intriguing variation is the lovely Sapphira.
  5. Trudy

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "spear of strength"

    • Description:

      Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.
  6. Ruthie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Ruth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "compassionate friend"

    • Description:

      With vintage names on the rise and recent data suggesting that the US is following the UK trend of nicknames-as-given-names, Ruthie joined Goldie, Daisy, and Nellie on the US Top 1000 list in 2023.
  7. Amethyst

    • Origin:

      Gem and Color name

    • Description:

      As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.
  8. Junie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of June

    • Description:

      A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.
  9. Rune

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "secret"

    • Description:

      Runes are symbols in ancient Germanic alphabets. They are often viewed as mysterious and therefore as a name, Rune imparts a feeling of folkloric mystery. As intriguing as that might be, the homonym ruin creates a lot of teasing potential.
  10. Freddie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Alfreda or Frederica

    • Description:

      Freddie, especially with the ie ending, is one of the old-school boy-names-for-girls that came into vogue at the turn of the last century. Freddie, all on its own, ranked among the Top 1000 girl names until 1958, but in 2021 it was given to just 8 baby girls. Maybe that makes it prime for a comeback, ala Billie?
  11. Rowen

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rowan, Scottish and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rowan tree; little redhead"

    • Description:

      With its soft sounds, its unisex appeal, and its nature connection, Rowan has become a very popular name for both boys and girls, given to nearly four boys for every girl. The Rowen variation maintains the same gender split but is much less popular for both sexes, with nearly four times as many babies named Rowan as Rowen.
  12. Peridot

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "a green gemstone"

    • Description:

      Peridot is the gem of the month of August, a vibrant green mineral, said to be good for helping people put the past behind them, and an interesting, undiscovered jewel name. It was regarded in ancient times as the symbol of the sun.
  13. Ula

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "gem of the sea"

    • Description:

      Ula is among the unusual U names that may have a range of origins and meanings, from the Celtic one given here to its possibilities as a short form of Eulalia or Ursula. Ulla is a Scandinavian name usually an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika.
  14. Roan

    • Origin:

      Variation of Rowan, Irish and Scottish, Frisian, English word name

    • Meaning:

      "little redhead; rowan tree; raven; animal with a coat of two interspersed colors"

    • Description:

      Historically more popular for boys and generally less familiar than its sound-alike Rowan, Roan is a name with multiple meanings, origins, and pronunciations. Given to less than 10 girls back in 2023, time will tell if singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has brought the name more exposure.
  15. Rueben

    • Description:

      Rueben is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Reuben, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'behold, a son.' In the Bible, Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, giving the name significant religious heritage. This variant spelling with the 'e' before the 'u' creates a subtle distinction while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. Rueben carries the warm, friendly quality of its traditional counterpart with a slightly different visual presentation. The name enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century but has become less common in recent decades. It has a timeless, somewhat old-fashioned appeal that connects to both Jewish and Christian traditions. Rueben's familiar sound paired with its less common spelling offers a balance between tradition and individuality.

  16. Rubi

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "ruby; precious gemstone, lapis lazuli + beautiful"

    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese form of popular Ruby is another addition to the list of attractive gem names for girls, that might sometimes be used by English speaking parents who want their child's name to stand out when written down. Rubi is also of Japanese origin, and associated with another gemstone: the lapis lazuli.
  17. Ridley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "cleared wood; reed clearing; channel clearing"

    • Description:

      Can one prominent character affect the gender identity of a name? Definitely, as has supernatural bad girl Ridley Duchannes of the Beautiful Creatures series-turned-movie, played by the gorgeous Emmy Rossum.
  18. Rubina

    • Description:

      Rubina is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It derives from the Latin word 'rubinus,' meaning 'ruby,' referring to the precious red gemstone. The name has particular popularity in Italy, India, and Pakistan, where it carries slightly different cultural connotations while maintaining its connection to the gemstone. In Indian and Pakistani communities, it is sometimes considered a Muslim name meaning 'ruby-like' or 'precious stone.' Rubina has a romantic, jewel-like quality with its flowing syllables and connection to the vibrant red ruby. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained steady, modest usage over decades, appreciated for its elegant sound and meaningful connection to a treasured gemstone.

  19. Rainy

    • Origin:

      Word name or diminutive of Regina, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "queen"

    • Description:

      The Rainy spelling puts this name firmly in word name territory, an appealing option following the rise of Stormi. Rainey is the most popular spelling of the name, given to about 50 girls last year, with half as many called Rainy and a quarter named Rainie, the spelling used by Andie MacDowell for her now-grown daughter.
  20. Reed

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"

    • Description:

      Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.