Ruby means “red” and comes from Latin. The moniker is taken directly from the red gemstone ruby, which has long been celebrated as the traditional birthstone for July. While parents select it predominantly as a feminine name, it also has a history of rare use as a masculine name.
Parents exploring an index of baby name meanings often appreciate gemstone choices for their colorful imagery, mineral connections, and historic charm. Ruby offers a spirited sound that feels both vintage and fresh, making it an appealing option for modern families looking for a short, memorable name.
Meaning and Origin
Ruby is a predominantly feminine given name taken from the name of the gemstone ruby. The name of the gemstone comes from the Latin word rubinus, which translates to red. In gemstone tradition, the ruby serves as the birthstone for the month of July.
The female given name derives from ruby in the 19th century. Although it is predominantly given to females, it also has rare use as a male given name. In the field of computer science, the Ruby programming language was named after the gemstone as well.
Pronunciation
Ruby is pronounced ROO-bee. The first part rhymes with “too” and “blue”, carrying the primary emphasis of the name. The second part rhymes with “see” and “bee”. Together, the parts produce a crisp, melodic pronunciation that is simple to speak and recognize across different regional accents.
Popularity in the US
Ruby first appears in the SSA data in 1880, and it is most often given to girls. The name rose rapidly through the early decades of the twentieth century, reaching its peak rank of #22 in 1911. By 1950, it held position #130 with 2,414 babies, but it later dropped to #357 with 659 babies in 1980. A strong upward climb followed at the turn of the century, moving to #258 with 1,266 babies in 2000, #113 with 2,798 babies in 2010, and #74 with 3,342 babies in 2020. In 2025, Ruby achieved its latest rank of #64 with 3,554 babies, bringing the overall count to 376,570 US girls given the name in total since 1880.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #130 | 2,414 |
| 1980 | #357 | 659 |
| 2000 | #258 | 1,266 |
| 2010 | #113 | 2,798 |
| 2020 | #74 | 3,342 |
| 2025 | #64 | 3,554 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Because Ruby is a concise name, short forms typically take the shape of quick, affectionate clippings. Common short forms of the name itself include Rue, Ru, Roo, Rube, and Rubes.
Parents often select these casual options for everyday use around the home, while reserving the full name for school, documents, and formal settings. Family members might also use playful rhyming variations like Ruby-Roo as endearing childhood terms.
Famous People Named Ruby
Several notable figures have carried the name in the arts, civil rights, and entertainment:
- Ruby Bridges: An American civil rights activist who made history as the first African American child to integrate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.
- Ruby Dee: An acclaimed American actress, poet, playwright, and activist celebrated for her work in theatre, film, and television, including the film adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun.
- Ruby Rose: An Australian actress, model, and television presenter recognized for prominent roles in television series and action films.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair naturally with Ruby include Clara, Grace, Jane, Mae, and Pearl.
Sibling names with a similar antique charm include Charles, Henry, Jasper, Oliver, and Violet.
FAQ
What root word gives Ruby its name?
The name Ruby comes from the Latin word rubinus, which translates to red. This Latin term was applied to the deep red gemstone, which later inspired the feminine given name during the 19th century. In addition to its linguistic background, the ruby is recognized as the birthstone for the month of July.
How many girls have received the name Ruby in total in the US?
A total of 376,570 US girls have been given the name Ruby since 1880. This cumulative figure reflects more than a century of American naming, during which the name has been chosen most often for girls across generations of newborns.
How does Ruby’s peak rank compare to its rank in 2025?
Ruby achieved its peak rank of #22 in 1911, compared to its latest rank of #64 in 2025. In 1911 the name reached its highest historical standing on the charts, while in 2025 it was given to 3,554 baby girls in the United States as part of its modern resurgence.
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