Ruth
Name Origin & Meaning
Possibly from Hebrew 're'ut' (friendship, companionship) or a root meaning 'to be refreshed.' Ruth's character fulfills both — she was the supremely loyal companion who refreshed Naomi's broken life. Her declaration of covenant love ('where you go I will go') has become one of the most celebrated expressions of faithful friendship in all literature.
First Biblical Appearance
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
Ruth's declaration of covenantal loyalty to Naomi — one of the most beloved speeches in all Scripture.
Biblical Significance
Ruth was a Moabite widow who chose to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi rather than return to her own people. Her loyalty, gleaning in Boaz's fields, and eventual marriage to Boaz (kinsman-redeemer) is a profound picture of redemption and inclusion. She and Boaz became great-grandparents of King David, and Ruth is one of four women named in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1.
Notable Bearers
- Ruth the Moabitess, great-grandmother of David
Personality & Character
Master builder — the visionary number of large-scale divine construction and practical faith
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May your loyalty be as Ruth's — a covenant love that clings even when every human reason counsels return. May you glean in fields of grace and find your Boaz in God's appointed time.