Rue Name Meaning: Pronunciation, Variations & Facts

What Does Rue Mean?

Rue has a few different meanings. One potential direct translation is regret. Regret is not the most pleasant meaning, but it’s only the first option.

In French, Rue is a word for street, bringing to mind the romantic roads of France. The French word for the cooking term roux is also similar. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour to thicken sauces.

One possible Hebrew translation for Rue is friend, companion, or neighbor.

Finally, Rue could mean a type of herb ⁽¹⁾. Common Rue is a medicinal and culinary herb, and the Ruta genus hosts many other plants with the name Rue.

Whichever meaning you prefer, the name Rue has quite a diverse potential. Don’t let the possible negatives cause you to regret not choosing the name.

What Is the Origin of the Name Rue?

Rue originates from multiple areas, including English, Hebrew, and Greek.

In English, it’s commonly thought that the name Rue started as a shortening of the name Ruth. It also connects to the English word for the herb Common Rue.

This herb also connects to the Grecian origin, who had an interest in it dating back to ancient times. Ancient people often had Common Rue as a medicinal herb.

Finally, the Hebrew connection is also through a shortening of the name Ruth. The Book of Ruth is typically one of the hallmark texts in the Hebrew Bible ⁽²⁾. It’s also a historical book in the Christian canon.

How Popular Is the Name Rue?

As it turns out, the name Rue is very rare. According to the Social Security Administration, Rue has never broken into the top 1000 baby names ⁽³⁾. This rating goes for both genders.

If you consider the name Ruth’s popularity as part of it, this name has been steadily popular for years.

Still, picking the name Rue is sure to be original and ideal for either gender.

How Do I Pronounce Rue?

Rue has a straightforward pronunciation, and there is only one proper way to say it.

Rue is pronounced “ROO,” all one syllable and equally emphasized.

Is Rue a Boy or Girl Name?

Rue has ambiguous meanings and can be for either boys or girls. While it’s a rare name overall, it seems more popular with girls since it’s a possible shortening of Ruth.

Still, Rue has potential for either gender.

Variations of Rue

Do you like the sound of Rue, but it just doesn’t seem right? Here are a few common variations of Rue you may prefer:

• Rew (English)
• Rowe (English)
• Ruth (English)

Nicknames for Rue

Rue is already a short name, and some consider it a nickname. Despite this, there are still fun nickname options for Rue, including:

• Kangaroo
• Roo
• Roy
• Ruby
• Ruru

Similar Names to Rue

If Rue doesn’t seem to be your favorite choice, but you like names that are similar in sound or meaning, here are a few potential options:

• Aurora
• Basil
• Lou
• Rae
• Rain
• Raya
• Rhea
• Rho
• Rory
• Rowe
• Roy
• Ruby
• Rueben
• Ruta
• Ruth
• Sage
• Sue

Middle Names for Rue

Rue is an outstanding first name that goes well with various middle names. Here are some great options to consider.

• Alexa
• Alice
• Augustine
• Cairo
• Cooper
• Daphne
• Eleanor
• Harrison
• Lizabeth
• Lucinda
• Lucy
• Madeline
• Matilda
• Taylor

Sibling Names for Rue

Whether you want to plan siblings ahead of time or you’ve already had a kid named Rue, here are a few possible names for siblings of Rue:

• Burt
• Burton
• Dominique
• Drew
• Gina
• Josh
• Katrina
• Ralph
• Rufus
• Russel

Famous People Named Rue

Even though Rue is a rare name, there have been a few famous people who share the title. Here are some famous Rues:

• Rue McClanahan: Famous American actress, best known for her leading role in “The Golden Girls.”
• Rue Protzer: German jazz composer and guitarist.
• Joe Rue: American umpire in Major League Baseball.
• Loyal Rue: American religious writer and philosopher.
• Rosemary Rue: Prominent British doctor.

Rue in Popular Culture

Rue is a rarity in the real world but still appears in fiction. Here are a few references to the name Rue in the media:

• Rue: One main character in the Playstation game “Threads of Fate.”
• Rue: A character in the book and movie series “The Hunger Games.”
• Rue: Playable character in the game “Magna Carta 2.”
• Rue: A character in the animated series “Princess Tutu.”
• Rue Bennett: One of the main characters in the TV show “Euphoria.”

Rue FAQs

With the meaning, origin, and other options related to Rue covered, you may still have a few questions about the name. Here are the answers to some frequent questions.