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Boaz vs Reuben

Which is more popular?
Reuben is more popular than Boaz today: about 269 US babies were given the name Reuben in 2025, compared with 268 named Boaz.
BoazReuben
Meaning in him is strength (disputed) behold, a son
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation BOH-az ROO-ben
Syllables 2 2
First appeared19281880
Peak year2025 (268)1920 (465)
In 2025268269
TrendNear its peakSteady
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Boaz Reuben
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeBoazReuben
2020s 1,342 1,649
2010s 1,315 2,359
2000s 477 2,279
1990s 180 2,436
1980s 89 2,759
1970s 57 2,542
1960s 11 2,076
1950s 0 2,193
1940s 0 2,060
1930s 0 2,269
1920s 5 3,860
1910s 0 3,274
1900s 0 820
1890s 0 828
1880s 0 741

What does Boaz mean?

Scholarly readings favor 'in him is strength' or 'in strength,' from be 'in' + oz (root '-z-z, 'to be strong'). An alternative traces it to a root meaning 'swiftness, quickness,' and Martin Noth preferred 'sharp mind.' The name of Ruth's husband and of a pillar of Solomon's Temple. The widespread name-site gloss 'swiftness' is weaker than the 'strength' reading; meaning is debated.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is Boaz or Reuben more popular?

Reuben is more popular than Boaz today: about 269 US babies were given the name Reuben in 2025, compared with 268 named Boaz.

What is the difference between Boaz and Reuben?

Boaz means in him is strength (disputed) (hebrew origin), while Reuben means behold, a son (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Boaz or Reuben?

In US records, Boaz first appears in 1928 and Reuben in 1880, so Reuben has the longer recorded history.