Summary

The surname Ruth originated from Germany and is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the personal name 'Rudolf', meaning 'fame wolf'. The name gradually spread across Europe during the medieval period.
There are
15012
Ruths in the USA
Ruth is the
2414th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Ruth

BabeRuth

George Herman Ruth Jr., better known as Babe Ruth, was an American professional baseball player. He is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time and had a significant impact on the sport. Ruth achieved numerous records and played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

EarlRuth

Earl Ruth was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina. He was known for his advocacy on civil rights issues and was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.

RuthBader

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was a trailblazer and a champion for gender equality and civil rights. Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and became an influential figure in shaping legal precedent.

RuthHandler

Ruth Handler was an American businesswoman and inventor, best known for co-founding the toy company Mattel and inventing the iconic Barbie doll. She revolutionized the toy industry and created a cultural phenomenon with Barbie, which became one of the most popular and recognizable toys in the world.

RuthBenedict

Ruth Benedict was an American anthropologist and folklorist. She made significant contributions to the field of anthropology, particularly in the study of various cultures and their patterns of behavior. Benedict's work helped shape the understanding of cultural relativism and the importance of cultural diversity.

RuthGordon

Ruth Gordon was an American actress, screenwriter, and playwright. She had a successful career in both film and theater and won an Academy Award for her performance in the film 'Rosemary's Baby.' Gordon was known for her wit, energy, and versatility as an actress.

RuthBrown

Ruth Brown was an American singer and actress who played a significant role in popularizing R&B music in the 1950s. She had a powerful voice and recorded numerous hit songs, earning her the nickname 'Miss Rhythm.' Brown was also an advocate for artists' rights and played a key role in the early years of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

RuthGraves

Ruth Graves Wakefield was an American chef and business owner who invented the chocolate chip cookie. She owned the Toll House Inn and created the iconic cookie recipe, which became immensely popular. Her invention changed the world of baking and made chocolate chip cookies a beloved treat.

RuthWilson

Ruth Wilson is a British actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She gained recognition for her role in the television series 'Luther' and has appeared in acclaimed productions such as 'Jane Eyre' and 'The Affair.' Wilson has received numerous awards for her acting talent.

RuthNegga

Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress known for her roles in film, television, and theater. She gained widespread acclaim for her performance in the film 'Loving,' for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Negga has been praised for her versatility and authenticity as an actress.

Ruth Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Ruth' is of English origin and is derived from the given name 'Ruth,' meaning 'compassion' or 'friend' in Hebrew. It is believed to have been used as a surname to denote a person of kind and charitable nature.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Ruth' is less common and has a relatively limited geographic distribution. It can be found predominantly in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Ruth' include 'Rooth' and 'Rute.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Ruth' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, especially during periods of migration and settlement. Many individuals with the surname 'Ruth' have emigrated from Europe to the United States and other parts of the world.