Rising since 1993, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Reuven since 1959
Babies named Reuven per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 75 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 218 |
| 2010s | 276 |
| 2020s | 291 |
Meaning & origin
Reuven has maintained a steady presence in the United States since it first appeared in Social Security records in 1959. Its popularity has been on the rise since 1993, and the name reached its highest rank of 2,363 in 2024, carrying that momentum into 2025. The name is given to roughly 1 in every 29,450 newborn boys, reflecting a modest but consistent usage. Geographically, Reuven is most concentrated in New Jersey and New York, states with large Jewish communities where traditional biblical names are often favored. The trajectory indicates a continued upward trend, as parents rediscover Old Testament names with strong cultural and religious resonance.
Reuven is the Hebrew name of the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah in the Book of Genesis. Derived from the Hebrew elements "re'u" (behold) and "ben" (son), the name is given by Leah after his birth, expressing her hope that now her husband would love her. It has been used by Jewish families for millennia and remains common in modern Israel.
Where Reuven is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rue, Ruby, Reu
Sibling names for Reuven
Names that share Reuven's style, for a brother or sister.
