Find out how popular the first name Ruka has been for the last 13 years (from 2011 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ruka by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Ruka is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 61% of people named Ruka being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ruka.

It's also interesting to see that despite Ruka being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Ruka.

The history of the first name Ruka

The name Ruka is believed to have its origins in the Japanese language, where it is written as 瑠火. It is a feminine given name that can be translated to mean "lapis lazuli fire" or "jewel-like fire." The name is thought to have emerged during the Heian period in Japan, which lasted from 794 to 1185 AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ruka can be found in the Genji Monogatari, a classic Japanese novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this work, the name is mentioned in reference to a character, though it is unclear whether this was a real person or a fictional character.

During the Edo period in Japan, which spanned from 1603 to 1868, the name Ruka grew in popularity among the samurai class and nobility. It was often given to daughters who were born during particularly auspicious astrological events or celestial alignments, as the name was thought to carry connotations of beauty, radiance, and good fortune.

One notable historical figure who bore the name Ruka was Ruka Hisako, a renowned Japanese poet and courtier who lived during the late 16th century. Her collection of waka poetry, titled "Ruka no Kusari," gained widespread acclaim and is still studied by scholars of classical Japanese literature today.

Another prominent individual with the name Ruka was Ruka Tsubaki, a skilled calligrapher and artist who lived in the early 19th century. Her intricate brushwork and innovative techniques in ink painting earned her recognition throughout Japan and beyond.

In the realm of Japanese mythology, the name Ruka is sometimes associated with the goddess of fire, Kagu-tsuchi-no-kami. This connection further reinforces the name's symbolic link to fire, passion, and intensity.

While the name Ruka has its roots in Japanese culture, it has also been adopted and adapted in other parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe and certain Slavic languages. However, the historical and cultural significance of the name remains most deeply rooted in its Japanese origins.

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 Ruka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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