The name Ruben has its origins in the Hebrew language. It derives from the Biblical name Reuben, which is rooted in the Hebrew phrase "ra'ah ben," meaning "he has seen a son." Reuben was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and a progenitor of one of the tribes of Israel.

In the Old Testament, Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and his wife Leah. The Book of Genesis recounts that Leah named him Reuben, saying "Because the Lord has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me." The name thus carries connotations of being seen, understood, and loved.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Reuben appear in the Hebrew Bible, dating back to around the 13th century BCE. Over time, the spelling evolved from the original Hebrew to the more modern Ruben, which is commonly used across various languages and cultures.

Notable historical figures named Ruben include Ruben Dario, a Nicaraguan poet and a prominent figure in the Spanish-American literary movement known as modernismo. He lived from 1867 to 1916 and is considered one of the greatest poets of the Spanish language.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Ruben Rausing, a Swedish industrialist and philanthropist who founded the packaging company Tetra Pak. He lived from 1895 to 1983 and made significant contributions to the development of modern food packaging.

In the realm of art, Ruben Kadmir was a Russian-American artist and sculptor known for his abstract expressionist works. He lived from 1914 to 1988 and his sculptures can be found in various museums and public spaces around the world.

Ruben Salazar was a Mexican-American journalist and activist who played a significant role in the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He was tragically killed by a tear gas canister fired by a police officer during a protest in 1970.

Finally, Ruben Blades is a Panamanian salsa singer, actor, and activist who has had a successful career spanning several decades. Born in 1948, he is known for his socially conscious lyrics and has also appeared in various films and television shows.