| Mary | Ruth | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Of debated origin | Friend, companion |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | MAIR-ee | ROOTH |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 1921 (73,984) | 1920 (26,102) |
| In 2025 | 2,230 | 1,781 |
| Trend | Declining | Rising |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Mary | Ruth |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 12,985 | 9,746 |
| 2010s | 25,693 | 10,857 |
| 2000s | 46,337 | 9,187 |
| 1990s | 75,723 | 8,730 |
| 1980s | 95,862 | 11,204 |
| 1970s | 126,254 | 13,431 |
| 1960s | 355,240 | 34,189 |
| 1950s | 625,606 | 62,538 |
| 1940s | 640,080 | 85,666 |
| 1930s | 573,000 | 109,204 |
| 1920s | 701,755 | 218,520 |
| 1910s | 478,636 | 173,675 |
| 1900s | 161,504 | 51,010 |
| 1890s | 131,138 | 32,867 |
| 1880s | 91,668 | 5,298 |
Mary descends through Greek Maria from the Hebrew Miriam. Its original meaning is debated — proposals include “sea of bitterness,” “beloved,” and “wished-for child.” Borne by Mary the mother of Jesus, it became one of the most enduring names in the Western world.
Ruth is a Hebrew name usually given as “companion” or “friend.” The Book of Ruth tells of her devotion to her mother-in-law; she became an ancestor of King David.
Mary is more popular than Ruth today: about 2,230 US babies were given the name Mary in 2025, compared with 1,781 named Ruth.
Mary means Of debated origin (Hebrew origin), while Ruth means Friend, companion (Hebrew origin).
In US records, Mary first appears in 1880 and Ruth in 1880, so Mary has the longer recorded history.