Ruth

Meaning

In the biblical-name tradition, Ruth is usually linked to a Hebrew word meaning “beauty” or “appearance,” and one excerpt also notes older suggestions such as “trembling” or “to join together.” The 19th-century sources here favor the beauty/appearance explanation, while also emphasizing that the etymology had not been settled with complete certainty.

Origin

Fun fact

The name’s lasting popularity comes largely from the touching story of Ruth in the Bible, even though the etymology was debated in older name books.