The name Ruthann is a combination of the names Ruth and Ann. Ruth is a Hebrew name derived from the biblical Book of Ruth, a story of loyalty and devotion. It is thought to mean "friend" or "companion." The name Ann, on the other hand, has its origins in the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor."

The earliest recorded use of the name Ruthann dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Ruthann Knudson (1896-1991), an American actress and vaudeville performer who appeared in several Broadway productions during the 1920s and 1930s.

Another notable Ruthann was Ruthann Stevenson (1920-2007), an American painter and sculptor who was a member of the Woodstock Artists Association and exhibited her work extensively throughout the United States. She was known for her abstract expressionist paintings and sculptural works.

In the realm of literature, Ruthann Richter (1938-2021) was an American novelist and short story writer. Her works explored themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. She published several novels, including "The Sea Beach Line" and "A View from the Inland Waterway."

The name Ruthann has also been associated with notable figures in the field of education. Ruthann Knechel Johansen (1926-2016) was an American educator and author who served as the president of Barnard College from 1975 to 1986. She advocated for women's education and worked to promote diversity and inclusion on college campuses.

Lastly, Ruthann Robson (born 1942) is an American legal scholar and professor of law at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law. She is a prominent figure in the fields of feminist legal theory, LGBTQ+ rights, and constitutional law, and has published numerous books and articles on these topics.

While the name Ruthann may not be as common today as it once was, it carries a rich history and has been borne by notable figures across various fields, from the arts and literature to education and law.