Ruby: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Ruby is an English gem name from the Latin rubeus, meaning 'red'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- ROO-beeหruห.bi
- Origin
- English
- Meaning
- Ruby is an English gem name from the Latin rubeus, meaning 'red'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Rubes, Roo, Rubie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #64 โ โก๏ธ Stable
What Does Ruby Mean?
Ruby is taken from the red gemstone, whose name comes through Old French from the Latin rubeus, 'red'. It belongs to the group of jewel names that became popular in the late nineteenth century, alongside Pearl, Opal and Beryl, and it is the birthstone for July.
The name peaked in the US around 1910, dropped away through the middle of the century and came back after 2000. Since 2016 it has stayed in a narrow band between #62 and #71, which makes it unusually steady for a revived vintage name.
The most important bearer is probably Ruby Bridges, who in 1960, aged six, became the first Black child to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, walking past crowds of protesters escorted by federal marshals.
How Popular Is Ruby?
Ruby was #71 in 2016, #62 in 2021 and #64 in 2025, staying in a narrow band for a decade.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Ruby
Classic pairings
- Ruby Elizabeth
- Ruby Catherine
- Ruby Josephine
- Ruby Margaret
Modern pairings
- Ruby Wilder
- Ruby Marlowe
- Ruby Juniper
- Ruby Sage
One-syllable options
- Ruby Rose
- Ruby Jane
- Ruby Claire
- Ruby Mae
Family-name bridges
- Ruby Ann
- Ruby Marie
- Ruby Grace
- Ruby Louise
Names Similar to Ruby
If you love Ruby, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Ruby
๐ Brother names
๐ Sister names
Famous People Named Ruby
- Ruby BridgesCivil rights figure who integrated a New Orleans elementary school in 1960 at the age of six.
- Ruby DeeAmerican actress and activist, known for 'A Raisin in the Sun'.
- Ruby RoseAustralian model and actor known for 'Orange Is the New Black'.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby
Is Ruby a boy or girl name?
Ruby is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Ruby?
Ruby is pronounced ROO-bee (IPA: หruห.bi). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Rubes, Roo, Rubie.
Is Ruby an English name?
Ruby is of English origin. Ruby is an English gem name from the Latin rubeus, meaning 'red'.
What does Ruby mean?
Ruby is an English gem name from the Latin rubeus, meaning 'red'.
Ruby is taken from the red gemstone, whose name comes through Old French from the Latin rubeus, 'red'. It belongs to the group of jewel names that became popular in the late nineteenth century, alongside Pearl, Opal and Beryl, and it is the birthstone for July.
Is Ruby a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Ruby is a highly popular name. It ranked #64 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is holding steady in the rankings. Ruby was #71 in 2016, #62 in 2021 and #64 in 2025, staying in a narrow band for a decade.
What are good middle names for Ruby?
Good middle names for Ruby include classic choices like Ruby Elizabeth and Ruby Catherine, modern options like Ruby Wilder and Ruby Marlowe, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Ruby Rose and Ruby Jane. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
Discussing Ruby with your partner?
Match on it in Namely โ swipe through baby names together, and celebrate when you both say yes to the same one.