Holding steady.
Popularity of Rubye since 1886
Babies named Rubye per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rubye's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 24 |
| 1890s | 168 |
| 1900s | 620 |
| 1910s | 1,873 |
| 1920s | 1,975 |
| 1930s | 1,018 |
| 1940s | 744 |
| 1950s | 330 |
| 1960s | 92 |
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 36 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Rubye is a decorative variant spelling of the classic gemstone name Ruby. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared on record in 1886 and reached its peak popularity in 1912, during the 1910s decade. Though it never ranked in the top 1000 nationally, its trajectory has remained stable over the years, with consistent but low-level usage. The one-in-n frequency is unavailable, reflecting its rarity in recent data. Like other gemstone names from that era, Rubye carries a vintage charm. Its top states are not recorded, suggesting broad but sparse distribution. As a variant spelling, it offers a slightly more distinctive alternative to Ruby while retaining the same warm, red-gemstone association.
Rubye is a variant spelling of Ruby, which derives from the Latin word 'ruber' meaning red, referring to the precious gemstone. The name Ruby came into use in the 18th century, and its variant forms like Rubye emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States. The name saw peak popularity in the 1910s.
Where Rubye is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ruby, Rue, Bee
Sibling names for Rubye
Names that share Rubye's style, for a brother or sister.
