Reuben
Reuben first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1920, when 465 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 269.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Reuben popular?
Steady Reuben has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1920.
| 2020s | 1,649 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 2,359 | |
| 2000s | 2,279 | |
| 1990s | 2,436 | |
| 1980s | 2,759 | |
| 1970s | 2,542 | |
| 1960s | 2,076 | |
| 1950s | 2,193 | |
| 1940s | 2,060 | |
| 1930s | 2,269 | |
| 1920s | 3,860 | |
| 1910s | 3,274 | |
| 1900s | 820 | |
| 1890s | 828 | |
| 1880s | 741 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Reuben mean?
Hebrew Re'uven, literally 'behold, a son!' (re'u 'see, behold' + ben 'son'). Genesis 29:32 layers a second biblical wordplay on it: Leah says 'the LORD has looked upon (ra'ah) my affliction' — that play is theological rather than the strict etymology.
Names like Reuben
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Reuben
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Reuben
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reuben mean?
Reuben means behold, a son. Hebrew Re'uven, literally 'behold, a son!' (re'u 'see, behold' + ben 'son'). Genesis 29:32 layers a second biblical wordplay on it: Leah says 'the LORD has looked upon (ra'ah) my affliction' — that play is theological rather than the strict etymology.
What is the origin of the name Reuben?
Reuben is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Reuben?
Reuben is pronounced “ROO-ben.”
Is Reuben a boy or a girl name?
Reuben is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Reuben a popular name right now?
Reuben has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1920.
How popular is the name Reuben?
In 2025, Reuben ranked #889 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Reuben most popular?
Reuben was most popular in 1920, when about 465 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Reuben?
Names similar to Reuben include Amos, Boaz, Doron, Ari, Gideon.
What names go well with Reuben?
hebrew names that pair well with Reuben include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.