A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ruel since 1882
Babies named Ruel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ruel's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 47 |
| 1900s | 62 |
| 1910s | 260 |
| 1920s | 372 |
| 1930s | 260 |
| 1940s | 180 |
| 1950s | 155 |
| 1960s | 115 |
| 1970s | 99 |
| 1980s | 79 |
| 1990s | 86 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 83 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Ruel is an uncommon given name that has seen a revival in recent decades. First recorded in U.S. birth data in 1882, it reached its peak popularity in 1903, ranking among the top names of that era. After years of declining use, the name began a resurgence in 2007 and has been steadily rising since. Despite its rarity, Ruel has a straightforward pronunciation and a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive but accessible name. Its simple structure invites the nickname Rue, and it pairs well with both classic and modern sibling names.
The name Ruel likely emerged as an English given name, possibly derived from the Old French word 'rue' (meaning 'street') or as a variant of the name Rue. Its use in the United States dates back to the 1880s, with early records showing modest popularity, particularly in the early 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rue
Sibling names for Ruel
Names that share Ruel's style, for a brother or sister.
