The first name Ruby

In 2025, 1,032 girls were named Ruby, making it the 38th most popular girls’ name. It peaked in 2007, with 4,983 births (#1).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Ruby with other names.

In 2025, 3,554 girls born in the United States were named Ruby, the 64th most popular girls’ name that year. It was used most in 1924, when 8,406 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

Spelled Ruby in Polish too.

• Ruby Rose
  Australian actor, model, DJ, and recording artist (born 1986)
• Ruby Dee
  American actress (1922–2014)
• Ruby Payne-Scott
  Australian radio astronomer (1912-1981)
• Ruby Bridges
  American civil rights activist (born 1954)
• Ruby Keeler
  American actress, dancer, and singer (1910-1993)
• Ruby O. Fee
  German actress, born 1996
• Ruby Barnhill
  British actress, born 2004
• Ruby Laffoon
  American politician (1869–1941)
• Ruby Jerins
  American actress, born 1998
• Ruby Dandridge
  American actress (1900–1987)
• Ruby Braff
  American musician (1927–2003)
• Ruby Modine
  American actress, born 1990

What does the name Ruby mean?

The female name derives from ruby in the 19th century. The programming language was named after the gemstone.

How popular is the name Ruby?

In 2025, 1,032 girls born in England and Wales were named Ruby, ranking 38th. Its peak was 2007, with 4,983 births.

Is Ruby a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a girl's name: 99% of the 379,684 US babies named Ruby since 1880 were girls.

When was Ruby most popular?

1924 in the United States, when 8,406 babies were named Ruby, its highest rank at 26th.

Is Ruby also a surname?

Yes. Ruby is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.