"true, faithful, genuine"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Tru
Does Tru flow with your last name?
One syllable, one meaning: completely genuine
American
Minimalist
Modern
Bold
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"trustworthy, loyal"
Origin: Proto-Germanic
Language: English
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The Story of Tru
Tru is an abbreviated, simplified spelling of True, an Old English word from the Proto-Germanic treuwaz meaning 'faithful, trustworthy, loyal.' As a given name, Tru functions as both a creative respelling and a standalone minimalist name. The one-letter-shorter spelling gives it a modern, stripped-back quality that fits the 21st-century preference for concise names with big meanings.
Tru gained public attention when Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson named their daughter True Thompson in 2018. The male variant Tru (often for boys) followed the same current of ultra-minimalist, meaningful word names that has produced names like Brave, Crew, and Reign among celebrity children.
In the tradition of virtue names (which go back to the Puritans — names like Faith, Hope, Prudence), Tru/True is a modern iteration that values authenticity and directness. It signals parents who want a name that is aspirational but unpretentious.
Historical Record
Tru first appeared in US Social Security records in 1995.
Over 3,290 babies have been named Tru in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tru is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #618 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Truman Capote used 'Tru' as a nickname throughout his life
- True Thompson, daughter of Khloé Kardashian, helped bring the True/Tru name into mainstream awareness after 2018
Tru in Other Languages
French
Vrai
German
Wahr
Spanish
Verdadero
Popularity Over Time
#618
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tru
T
True Thompson
Other
2018
Daughter of Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson, whose birth helped popularize True/Tru as a given name
T
Truman Capote
Writer
1924
American author known as 'Tru' to his friends; wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and In Cold Blood (1966)
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Compare Tru with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #618
- Total SSA Count
- 461
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tru
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Tru is also used as a girl name, ranked #892.
View Tru as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tru
What does the name Tru mean?
"true, faithful, genuine" (from Old English). "trustworthy, loyal" (from Proto-Germanic). Tru is an abbreviated, simplified spelling of True, an Old English word from the Proto-Germanic treuwaz meaning 'faithful, trustworthy, loyal.' As a given name, Tru functions as both a creative respelling and a standalone minimalist name. The one-letter-shorter spelling gives it a modern, stripped-back quality that fits the 21st-century preference for concise names with big meanings.
What is the origin of the name Tru?
Tru has Old English, Proto-Germanic, and American origins. In Old English, it means "true, faithful, genuine". In Proto-Germanic, it means "trustworthy, loyal".
Is Tru a boy or girl name?
Tru is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #618. As a girl name, it is ranked #892. Tru is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Tru?
Tru is currently ranked #618 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Tru?
Popular middle name pairings include Tru James, Tru William, Tru Alexander, Tru Michael, Tru Sebastian, Tru Bennett, and Tru Oliver.
What are good sibling names for Tru?
Names that pair well with Tru as siblings include Blaze, Brave, Story, Crew, Valen, True, and Reign.
How many syllables does Tru have?
Tru has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tru a common or rare name?
Tru is moderately common, ranked #618 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Tru?
About the Name Tru
Tru is a boy name with American origins . The name means "true, faithful, genuine" in Old English .
Is Tru a boy or girl name? Tru is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #618 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #892. Tru is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tru is currently ranked #618 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tru has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Tru include Truett, True, Truce, Truth, Truman . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis