Name meaning & stats
Ruth
Ruth means “companion” (Hebrew origin). 246,339 US babies since 1940, peak 1943. Notable Ruths are 2.3× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“companion”
HebrewDebated
Of uncertain origin; possibly “companion”.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1943
246,339 US babies were named Ruth between 1940 and 2025.
Where Ruths end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.8× | High · 54 people |
| Professor | 2.3× | High · 50 people |
| Writer | 1.2× | High · 46 people |
| Actor | 0.5× | High · 27 people |
Among notable women who are professors, Ruths show up 2.3× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
Spelling family
Ruth is the main spelling
- Ruth 100%
- Rut <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1943)