The nameRuben
Ruben is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "behold, a son". The name of the eldest son of Jacob, it is popular in Spain, the Netherlands and Britain.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
Meaning
Ruben comes from the Hebrew Re'uven, "behold, a son".
Origin
Hebrew. Reuben is the eldest of the twelve sons of Jacob and ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel.
History
Ruben is common in Spain (Rubén), Portugal and the Netherlands. It reached the top 100 in England and Wales. The painter Rubens carries it as a surname.
Did you know?
- The Swedish director Ruben Östlund has won two Palmes d'Or, for The Square in 2017 and Triangle of Sadness in 2022.
Famous people named Ruben
- Reuben, son of Jacob
- Rubén Darío, poet
- Ruben Dias, footballer
- Ruben Östlund, film director
Popularity of the name Ruben
Ruben in the United States
Ruben was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 17,024 births over the decade, 15% of all recorded babies named Ruben. Its rise began around 1914, and it peaked in 1992. Half of all babies named Ruben in the United States were born before 1980, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 639 births a year on average, against 782 in the five years before.
Ruben in the United Kingdom
Ruben was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 3,999 births over the decade, 43% of all recorded babies named Ruben. Half of all babies named Ruben 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, it has been rising: 533 births a year on average, against 447 in the five years before.
Ruben in France
Ruben in Belgium
Ruben in Switzerland
Ruben in Norway
Sibling names for Ruben
Names from the same generation as Ruben, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Ruben? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Ruben with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Ruben side by side with the name of your choice.
Ruben in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ruben mean?
Ruben comes from the Hebrew Re'uven, "behold, a son".
What is the origin of the name Ruben?
Hebrew. Reuben is the eldest of the twelve sons of Jacob and ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel.
Is Ruben a girl's or a boy's name?
Ruben is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Ruben?
In 2024, Ruben was the 501st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 607 births.
What are good sibling names for Ruben?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Abby, Hanna, Sara and Sharon for a sister, Manuel, Jon, Jeremy and Jimmy for a brother.
Who are famous people named Ruben?
Reuben, son of Jacob; Rubén Darío, poet; Ruben Dias, footballer; Ruben Östlund, film director.