Boy · 259th of 7,545
Reuben
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
31,896
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
465
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Reuben stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Reuben has its origins in Hebrew, meaning 'behold, a son.' It evolved from the biblical Hebrew form to the modern English version. Reuben is associated with traits of reliability and honor, having a significant biblical relevance as the firstborn son of Jacob. The name has maintained a presence in various cultures, particularly among Jewish communities.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈruːbən/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Reuben comes from the Hebrew name רְאוּבֵן (Re'uvén), meaning 'behold, a son.' It is derived from the Hebrew words 'ra' meaning 'to see' and 'ben' meaning 'son.'
Meaning
behold, a son
Language Evolution
Re'uvén (Hebrew), Reuben (English)
Biblical Background
Reuben is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, being the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and is mentioned in various biblical narratives.
Historical Usage
The name Reuben has been in use since biblical times and has seen varying levels of popularity throughout history, particularly within Jewish communities and among those familiar with biblical texts.
Variants & Derivatives
Rubin, Ruben, Reub
Modern Popularity & Image
Reuben is considered a classic and traditional name. It has a strong biblical connotation and is often associated with reliability and honor.
Famous People
Reuben Fleischer, American film director, Reuben D. Musgrave, American politician, Reuben Stoddard, American singer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 465 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 46 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 259th of 7545 | 7,275 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 385th of 6773 | 4,073 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 501st of 7552 | 4,211 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 530th of 10718 | 3,743 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 603rd of 16616 | 4,231 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 829th of 24088 | 3,571 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 866th of 23106 | 3,092 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6167th of 9107 | 27 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 22013th of 27321 | 12 |