Ruth

Origin and meaning of Ruth

Ruth comes from the Hebrew Rut (רות), understood as 'friend, companion.' It is the name of the heroine of the biblical Book of Ruth, the young Moabite woman who became a symbol of loyalty and devotion and an ancestor of King David. Widespread in the English-speaking world, Germany and Jewish communities, it is rarer but familiar in Italy. Its brief, essential sound and deep spiritual resonance have appealed for centuries.

Variants around the world

How Ruth is said in other languages.

Famous people

• Ruth Rendell— writer