The nameReuben
Reuben is a biblical boy's name, the name of Jacob's eldest son. It is popular in England and Wales.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
Meaning
Reuben comes from the Hebrew Re'uven, explained in Genesis as "see, a son".
Origin
Hebrew. Reuben is the firstborn of Jacob and Leah and ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
History
Reuben reached 29th place in England and Wales in 2025, its best rank since 1996. The Reuben sandwich is an American classic.
Popularity of the name Reuben
Reuben in the United States
Reuben was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 3,882 births over the decade, 12% of all recorded babies named Reuben. Half of all babies named Reuben in the United States were born before 1959, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 274 births a year.
Reuben in the United Kingdom
Reuben was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 13,233 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Reuben. Half of all babies named Reuben in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,610 births a year.
Reuben in Ireland
Sibling names for Reuben
Names from the same generation as Reuben, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Reuben? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Reuben with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Reuben side by side with the name of your choice.
Reuben in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reuben mean?
Reuben comes from the Hebrew Re'uven, explained in Genesis as "see, a son".
What is the origin of the name Reuben?
Hebrew. Reuben is the firstborn of Jacob and Leah and ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Is Reuben a girl's or a boy's name?
Reuben is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Reuben?
In 2024, Reuben was the 872nd most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 275 births.
What are good sibling names for Reuben?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Dalia, Betty, Dina and Ivana for a sister, Aron, Shlomo, Eleazar and Simeon for a brother.