Ruby
Ruby is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Deep red gemstone, derived from the Latin word ruber meaning red.
Origin and history
Ruby is an English virtue and gemstone name derived from the Medieval Latin word rubinus, meaning red. It became popular in the late 19th century alongside other jewel names. In the United States, it has enjoyed a strong resurgence in recent decades as a classic vintage choice.
Popularity in the United States
376,570 babies in the United States have been named Ruby since 1880. It ranks #96 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #63.
States where it is most popular
- TX (10.6 %)
- CA (7.1 %)
- NC (6 %)
- GA (5.9 %)
- AL (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 2,603 |
| 1890-1900 | 8,699 |
| 1900-1910 | 18,175 |
| 1910-1920 | 60,308 |
| 1920-1930 | 76,738 |
| 1930-1940 | 47,648 |
| 1940-1950 | 31,872 |
| 1950-1960 | 20,550 |
| 1960-1970 | 10,164 |
| 1970-1980 | 6,433 |
| 1980-1990 | 6,312 |
| 1990-2000 | 10,556 |
| 2000-2010 | 22,032 |
| 2010-2019 | 33,467 |
| 2020-2029 | 21,013 |
Famous people named Ruby
- Ruby Bridges: Civil rights activist, Author
- Ruby Dee: Actress, Playwright
Nicknames
Rue, Ru
Fun facts
- Ruby gained popularity during the late 19th century along with other gemstone names such as Amber, Pearl, and Opal.
- The ruby gemstone is traditionally associated as the birthstone for the month of July.