Rue Overview
- Meaning: Rue can mean regret, street, herbs, or friends and neighbors.
- Gender: Rue isn’t popular with either gender, but it generally is feminine.
- Origin: Rue originates from English, Greek, and Hebrew. It derives from the name Ruth or the Common Rue herb.
- Pronunciation: “ROO”
- Popularity: Rue is a very rare name and has never been in the top 1000 names in the US.
- Nicknames: Kangaroo, Roo, Roy, Ruby, Ruru.
- Variations: Rew, Rowe, Ruth.
- Namesakes: Rue McClanahan, Rue Protzer, Joe Rue.
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:
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.
Is the Name Rue Short for Another Name?
Rue can be a name all on its own. However, it is commonly a nickname for the name Ruth. Many consider this to be a possible origin for the title Rue.
The name Ruth is still more popular than the name Rue, but as it continues to spread, it may succeed its origin.
Is Rue a Biblical Name?
The exact name Rue isn’t in the bible, but it originates from the Hebrew Ruth. The Book of Ruth is a foundational section of the Hebrew Bible.
This section of writing is often also a part of Christian historical canons. It’s a term for companion and friendship in these texts.
