The name Ruta is of Lithuanian origin and has a significant meaning in its native language. It means "rowan tree," which is known for its vibrant red berries that resemble drops of blood. The rowan tree holds great symbolism in Lithuanian culture as it was believed to have protective powers against evil spirits.
Ruta's history can be traced back to ancient times when the name was popular among Baltic tribes, particularly Lithuanians and Latvians. It is also found in other Slavic countries such as Poland and Russia, although its popularity has declined over time compared to its peak during the Middle Ages.
The name Ruta has not been widely used outside of Eastern Europe, but it has gained some recognition worldwide thanks to prominent individuals who bear this unique name. One notable figure is Ruta sepetys, a renowned American author known for her historical novels set in Lithuania during World War II, which have brought greater attention to the name Ruta.
In summary, Ruta is an ancient Lithuanian name with a deep connection to nature and cultural symbolism. Its meaning makes it appealing to those who appreciate uniqueness and deeper meanings behind names. Despite its limited usage globally, Ruta continues to hold significance among Lithuanians and those interested in exploring lesser-known yet richly symbolic names.
The name Ruta has been given to a total of 315 babies born in the United States over several decades, with noticeable fluctuations in its popularity from year to year.
In the early 1950s, the name Ruta was given to between 5 and 7 newborn girls each year. The number of births peaked at 28 in 1964 before declining steadily throughout the late 1960s and most of the 1970s.
The name experienced a slight resurgence in popularity during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, with around 5 to 8 births per year. However, its popularity has declined again since then, with only 5 births each year recorded in recent years (2009, 2017, and 2020).
Overall, the name Ruta remains relatively uncommon in the United States, but it continues to be given to a small number of newborn girls each year. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Ruta has been chosen for at least one baby every decade since the 1950s.