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Ruby

Girl name · 3,659 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ruby: 3,659 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 216 births in 2011.

Ruby shines with the warmth of its birthstone origin, stemming from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red. This gemstone name gained popularity in Victorian England and has been a beloved choice for girls ever since. One of its most famous bearers was the American actress Ruby Dee, a pioneering figure in cinema and civil rights activism. Another notable Ruby was the British musician Ruby Turner, known for her powerful soul vocals. The name also carries a poignant place connection through Ruby Bridges, whose brave integration of Louisiana schools in 1960 inspired the naming of Ruby Bridges Elementary Schools across America. The ruby gemstone itself has long been associated with love, passion, and protection. Ruby is occasionally given to boys in some cultures, but in Scotland it has remained consistently feminine since records began.