Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Ruth

Q: Is Ruth a biblical name?

Yes. Ruth appears in the Old Testament. After the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, Ruth had every reason to return to her own people in Moab. Instead, she clung to Naomi and made one of Scripture's most beautiful vows of loyalty: "Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

ROOTH · from Rut · means “Friend, companion”

Ruth is a Hebrew name meaning "friend" or "companion." A Moabite widow, Ruth chose to leave her homeland and stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, famously declaring, "Where you go I will go" (Ruth 1:16). Her loyalty and faith led her into the family line of King David and, ultimately, Jesus.

Devotion Faith Hope

“But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."”
— Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

The story behind the name

After the deaths of her husband and father-in-law, Ruth had every reason to return to her own people in Moab. Instead, she clung to Naomi and made one of Scripture's most beautiful vows of loyalty: "Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Arriving poor in Bethlehem, Ruth gleaned leftover grain in the fields to support herself and Naomi, and there she caught the attention of Boaz, a kind and honorable relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz praised her for her kindness and faithfulness to her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:11-12).

Boaz redeemed Ruth in marriage, and their son Obed became the grandfather of King David. A daughter named Ruth carries a name of steady friendship and a story of unexpected belonging, showing how faithfulness in small, hard places can lead into God's larger story.

A blessing to pray over Ruth

Lord, may this daughter love with the loyal devotion of Ruth, faithful to those You place in her life and faithful to You above all. Bring her, like Ruth, into the good places You have prepared. Amen.