A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ruthie since 1880
Babies named Ruthie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1927, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ruthie's real moment was 1935.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 66 |
| 1890s | 174 |
| 1900s | 318 |
| 1910s | 1,197 |
| 1920s | 3,408 |
| 1930s | 3,785 |
| 1940s | 3,945 |
| 1950s | 3,295 |
| 1960s | 1,660 |
| 1970s | 590 |
| 1980s | 365 |
| 1990s | 241 |
| 2000s | 717 |
| 2010s | 1,240 |
| 2020s | 1,623 |
Meaning & origin
Ruthie, a familiar diminutive of the biblical Ruth, saw its peak usage in the 1930s, ranking at number 778 in the 1935 data with 1 in 4,605 births. It declined in the mid-20th century but has experienced a modest revival since 1994, rising in popularity in recent decades. The name feels both vintage and fresh, with a warm, accessible sound. In the United States, Ruthie has been most common in Southern states, including Mississippi, Tennessee, and Iowa, reflecting its enduring regional appeal. Parents drawn to old-fashioned nicknames with a gentle, friendly quality often consider Ruthie a sweet alternative to more formal names.
Ruthie is a diminutive of Ruth, a Hebrew name from the Bible. The meaning of Ruth is uncertain; it may derive from a Hebrew word for 'friend' or 'companion', or possibly from an Assyrian word meaning 'vision of beauty'. Ruth is the central figure in the biblical Book of Ruth, known for her loyalty. The nickname form Ruthie emerged in the late 19th century in English-speaking countries and has been used independently since the early 20th century.
Where Ruthie 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: Rue
Variants: Ruthy
Sibling names for Ruthie
Names that share Ruthie's style, for a brother or sister.
