Rising since 1995, #591 for boys today.
Popularity of Tru since 1995
Babies named Tru per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 13 | 47 |
| 2000s | 483 | 288 |
| 2010s | 549 | 983 |
| 2020s | 1,485 | 2,476 |
Meaning & origin
Tru first entered U.S. birth records in 1995, a late 20th-century arrival that has grown steadily in use. By 2025 it ranked 591st, with about 1 in 3,444 newborns given the name, and reached its highest popularity that same year. It has a strong presence in Delaware, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The name fits a modern trend for short, punchy names with a virtuous meaning, though its exact origin as a given name remains unclear. Its rising trajectory since the 1990s suggests it appeals to parents seeking something fresh and unpretentious.
Tru is a modern coinage that first appeared in U.S. records in 1995. It may have arisen as a phonetic respelling of the word 'true' or as a short form of names like Trudy. Its rise in the 2020s reflects a broader trend toward short, virtue-inspired names and ending in a long 'oo' sound, similar to Rue or Blu.
Where Tru is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Variants: True
Sibling names for Tru
Names that share Tru's style, for a brother or sister.
