Declining since 2010, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Rut since 1976
Babies named Rut per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 72 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 269 |
| 2010s | 236 |
| 2020s | 102 |
Meaning & origin
Rut is an extremely rare name in U.S. records, first appearing in 1976. It reached its peak popularity in 2009 but has been falling steadily since 2010, with a rank of 8,362 in 2025. The name is given to about 1 in 133,939 girls, making it a very uncommon choice. Its usage is primarily concentrated in California. As a variant of Ruth, Rut carries the same biblical associations but in a more streamlined form. Its rarity gives it a distinctive quality, though its meaning and origins remain closely tied to the better-known Ruth.
Rut is primarily a short form or variant of Ruth, which derives from the Hebrew word re'ut, meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' In Catalan, Rut is the standard spelling of the biblical name Ruth. It also appears in Scandinavian countries as a diminutive or variant. The name has been used sporadically in the United States since the late 20th century.
Where Rut is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ruth
Sibling names for Rut
Names that share Rut's style, for a brother or sister.
