Rutha is a unique and distinctive female given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "Ruth," which translates to "friend" or "companion." In the Old Testament, Ruth is a Moabite woman who marries an Israelite man named Mahlon. After her husband's death, she remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and accompanies her to Bethlehem, where she ultimately marries Boaz, another Israelite, and becomes an ancestor of King David.
The name Rutha has a rich history and cultural significance. It is associated with themes of loyalty, devotion, and kindness, as demonstrated by the biblical figure Ruth. While it may not be as commonly used today as some other Hebrew names, such as Sarah or Rachel, Rutha remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique and significant name for their daughter.
In terms of its usage throughout history, Rutha has been recorded in various forms and spellings across different cultures. In addition to its Hebrew roots, the name has also appeared in Scottish records, where it was sometimes used as a diminutive form of Ruth or Ruthven. Today, Rutha can be found among people of diverse backgrounds, although it remains relatively rare compared to some other names.
In conclusion, Rutha is an intriguing and meaningful female given name with Hebrew origins. Its association with the biblical figure Ruth lends it cultural significance and a story of devotion and loyalty that has resonated throughout history. While not as widely used today as some other names, Rutha offers parents a unique opportunity to bestow their daughter with a distinctive and significant moniker steeped in tradition and rich in meaning.
The name Rutha has a unique and interesting history of usage in the United States, as evidenced by these statistics.
In the late 19th century, there were sporadic instances of newborn girls being named Rutha. The highest frequency during this period was between 1893 to 1897, with an average of about 7 births per year.
However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that Rutha began to gain some traction as a popular name. Between 1908 and 1925, there was a significant increase in newborn girls named Rutha, with the peak occurring in 1925, when 87 births were recorded.
After this high point, the popularity of the name Rutha began to decline steadily. By the late 1930s, the number of annual births had decreased significantly, averaging around 40 to 60 per year until the early 1950s.
From the mid-1950s onwards, the name Rutha continued its descent in popularity, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rutha had become quite uncommon, with only a handful of newborn girls being named Rutha each year.
In total, over the period for which data is available (1884 to 1975), there were 2,799 newborn girls named Rutha in the United States. This statistic illustrates how the popularity of this unique name has waxed and waned over time, with periods of relative prominence followed by extended periods of diminished usage.