"deep red, the color red"
Origin: Latin rubinus
Language: Latin
Ruby
Pronunciation: [ r-OOB-ee ]
Does Ruby flow with your last name?
The king of gemstones, bold enough for any gender
English
American
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Bold
Vintage
Playful
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the ruby gemstone"
Origin: Medieval Latin
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily used as a girls name in most English-speaking countries; may face assumptions about gender
The Story of Ruby
Ruby comes from the Latin rubinus, meaning red, referring to the precious gemstone known for its deep crimson color. While primarily a girls name since the Victorian era when gemstone names became fashionable, Ruby has begun appearing for boys as gender-neutral and gem names gain traction. The ruby gemstone was considered the king of gems in ancient Sanskrit texts.
Ruby for boys is a newer trend, part of the broader movement toward gender-neutral and traditionally feminine names for boys. Parents who want something unexpected but familiar are drawn to Ruby's short, bold sound. The name is primarily a girls name (top-50 in UK, Australia, US), making it a genuinely unconventional choice for a boy.
The ruby is July's birthstone and traditionally symbolizes love, passion, and protection. In Myanmar (Burma), rubies were believed to make warriors invincible. The name Ruby gained cultural prominence through Ruby Bridges, the civil rights icon who integrated New Orleans schools in 1960.
Historical Record
Ruby first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 812 babies have been named Ruby in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ruby is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,424 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The word ruby comes from the Latin ruber meaning red, which also gives us ruby red grapefruit and rubric
- Ruby Bridges was 6 years old when she became the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960
- Myanmar produces the world's finest rubies, known as pigeon's blood rubies for their deep red color
Ruby in Other Languages
Latin
Rubinus
French
Rubis
German
Rubin
Italian
Rubino
Spanish
Rubi
Popularity Over Time
#5,424
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Ruby with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,424
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rube
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ruby
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ruby is also used as a girl name, ranked #63.
View Ruby as a girl name →Similar Names
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Irish Gaelic daire origin
"oak, fertile, fruitful"
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Celtic/Welsh origin
"silver-wheeled (sky goddess)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby
What does the name Ruby mean?
"deep red, the color red" (from Latin rubinus). "the ruby gemstone" (from Medieval Latin). Ruby comes from the Latin rubinus, meaning red, referring to the precious gemstone known for its deep crimson color. While primarily a girls name since the Victorian era when gemstone names became fashionable, Ruby has begun appearing for boys as gender-neutral and gem names gain traction. The ruby gemstone was considered the king of gems in ancient Sanskrit texts.
What is the origin of the name Ruby?
Ruby has Latin rubinus, Medieval Latin, English, American, and Australian origins. In Latin rubinus, it means "deep red, the color red". In Medieval Latin, it means "the ruby gemstone".
Is Ruby a boy or girl name?
Ruby is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5424. As a girl name, it is ranked #63. Ruby is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ruby?
Ruby is pronounced r-OOB-ee.
How popular is the name Ruby?
Ruby is currently ranked #5424 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ruby?
Common nicknames for Ruby include Rube.
What are good middle names for Ruby?
Popular middle name pairings include Ruby James, Ruby Lee, Ruby Scott, Ruby Cole, Ruby Dean, and Ruby Fox.
What are good sibling names for Ruby?
Names that pair well with Ruby as siblings include Pearl, Violet, Jade, Jasper, Amber, and Flynn.
How many syllables does Ruby have?
Ruby has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ruby a common or rare name?
Ruby is an uncommon name, ranked #5424 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Ruby?
Are there other spellings for Ruby?
Related spellings include Ruben.
About the Name Ruby
Ruby is a boy name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "deep red, the color red" in Latin rubinus .
Is Ruby a boy or girl name? Ruby is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,424 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #63. Ruby is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ruby is currently ranked #5,424 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ruby has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-OOB-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ruby include Rube. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ruby include Ruben . 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