Girl · 77th of 30,306
Ruby
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
376,074
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1924
Peak Popularity Year
8,472
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Ruby 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 Ruby originates from the Latin word for 'red,' referencing the precious gemstone. It has evolved through various forms, including Rubinus and Rubeus, and gained popularity in the late 19th century. The name is associated with traits of beauty and vibrancy, and it has no biblical relevance. Notable individuals with this name include civil rights activist Ruby Bridges and actress Ruby Rose.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈruːbi/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word 'rubinus,' which means 'red,' referring to the red gemstone ruby.
Meaning
red gemstone
Language Evolution
Rubinus (Latin), Rubeus (Latin), Rubi (Old French), Ruby (English)
Historical Usage
The name Ruby gained popularity in the late 19th century as gemstones became fashionable, particularly in the Victorian era.
Variants & Derivatives
Rube, Rubie, Rubi
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Ruby is viewed as a vibrant and feminine name, often associated with beauty and passion due to its connection with the gemstone.
Famous People
Ruby Bridges - civil rights activist, Ruby Rose - Australian actress and model, Ruby Wax - British-American actress and writer
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,472 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 11 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 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 769th of 7545 | 1,194 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 966th of 6773 | 817 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2001st of 7552 | 304 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3327th of 10718 | 151 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3514th of 16616 | 243 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9526th of 24088 | 94 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8004th of 23106 | 112 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 26th of 9107 | 140,836 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 55th of 9204 | 80,774 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 175th of 12526 | 38,447 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 356th of 19264 | 10,949 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 329th of 27321 | 12,753 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 162nd of 35406 | 33,970 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 77th of 30306 | 42,404 |