Ruel is a unique and uncommon given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ruah," which means "spirit" or "breath." In the Bible, Ruah is often used to refer to God's spirit or breath that gives life to all living beings.
The name Ruel first appeared in the Old Testament as the father of Dishon and Ezon, who were the sons of Seir. Seir was a Horite chief and the ancestor of the Edomites, a people who lived near the Dead Sea. Although Ruel is not a very common name today, it has been used throughout history by various cultures and religions.
In some traditions, Ruel is believed to have mystical or spiritual significance. For example, in Kabbalistic teachings, Ruah is associated with the sefirah of Binah, which represents understanding and wisdom. In this context, the name Ruel may be seen as a symbol of divine inspiration and intellectual insight.
Overall, the name Ruel has a rich history and meaningful origin. While it may not be as well-known as some other names of Hebrew origin, such as Samuel or David, it nonetheless carries a powerful spiritual significance that continues to resonate with people today.
The name Ruel has had varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 1895 births recorded since 1882.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Ruel each year. The highest numbers occurred between 1912 and 1924, with peaks of 38 births in 1921, 1922, and 1923 respectively. This period saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name.
However, from the mid-1920s onwards, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Ruel each year. By the 1940s and 50s, fewer than 25 babies were being named Ruel annually. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with some years recording as few as five births.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Ruel. Since 2016, there have been more than seven births each year, reaching a peak of ten births in both 2022 and 2023.
Overall, while the name Ruel may not be among the most popular choices for new parents today, it has nevertheless maintained a consistent presence in the United States over more than a century.