Find out how popular the first name Ruby has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ruby by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ruby is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Ruby being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,333 female babies and 13 male babies born with the name Ruby.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 13 baby boys were named Ruby in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Ruby

The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red. It is believed to have originated as a nickname or descriptive name for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name has been used in various forms throughout history, with early instances found in ancient Roman records.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ruby can be found in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. In his work "Metamorphoses," he mentions a character named Rubria, which is a feminine form of the Latin word "ruber."

During the Middle Ages, the name Ruby gained popularity in various European cultures. In England, it was sometimes used as a diminutive form of the name Ruberta or Robertina, which were derived from the Germanic name Robert.

The name Ruby has been associated with the precious gemstone of the same name, which has long been revered for its deep red color and believed to possess mystical properties. In ancient Hindu texts, the ruby is mentioned as one of the nine precious gems, and it is believed to bring good fortune and protection to its wearer.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ruby was Ruby Douglass, an American abolitionist and activist born in 1849. She was the daughter of Frederick Douglass, a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, and played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and racial equality.

In the literary world, Ruby Dee (1922-2019) was an acclaimed American actress, poet, and civil rights activist. She was known for her roles in films such as "A Raisin in the Sun" and "American Gangster," and was a recipient of numerous awards, including an Emmy and a Grammy.

Another notable figure was Ruby Bridges (born in 1954), an American civil rights activist who, at the age of six, became the first African American student to attend an all-white elementary school in the South. Her bravery and determination in the face of racism and discrimination have made her an iconic figure in the civil rights movement.

Ruby Wax (born in 1953) is a British-American actress, comedian, and mental health advocate. She has been a pioneering figure in raising awareness about mental health issues and has written several books on the subject, including "Sane New World" and "A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled."

In the world of sports, Ruby Hunter (1886-1968) was an Australian Aboriginal athlete and pioneering activist for indigenous rights. She was a talented sprinter and became the first Australian woman to compete in the Olympic Games, participating in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ruby was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ruby, please contact us.

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