Reuben

What does the baby name Reuben mean? Learn about what Reuben means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Reuben - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Reuben: R-E-U-B-E-N, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Reuben: ROO-bən; ROO ben
Meaning of Reuben: Behold a son, behold, a son, see my son.
Origin of Reuben: The name 'Reuben' has biblical origins and can be traced back to the Old Testament. In the Bible, 'Reuben' is the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him one of the twelve sons of Jacob who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name 'Reuben' is derived from the Hebrew language and means 'behold, a son' or 'behold, a seed'. It carries a sense of joy and hope, as it represents the birth of a child and the continuation of the family lineage.; American Names; Biblical Names; British Names; Canadian Names; English Names; Hebrew Names; Jewish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Reuben: Reubin; Re'uven; Rouvin; Rube; Rubin
Popularity of Reuben: Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Reuben' has fluctuated. In the early 1900s, the name was quite common, ranking among the top 100 names for boys in the United States. However, its popularity declined in the mid-20th century and reached its lowest point in the 1980s. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the name, and it has slowly been climbing the popularity charts once again. While it may not be as popular as some other names, 'Reuben' has a timeless charm that appeals to many parents.; Reuben currently has 143 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Asa is slightly more popular than Reuben.

Etymology of Reuben

The etymology of the name 'Reuben' can be traced back to the Hebrew language. The Hebrew word 're'u' means 'to see' or 'to behold', and the name 'Reuben' combines this word with the Hebrew word 'ben', which means 'son'. Therefore, 'Reuben' can be interpreted as 'behold, a son' or 'behold, a seed'. This etymology reflects the biblical significance of the name and the joy associated with the birth of a child.

Cultural Significance of Reuben

The name 'Reuben' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Jewish culture, 'Reuben' is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the name is associated with the lineage of Jacob. It represents the importance of family and the continuation of the Jewish heritage. Additionally, 'Reuben' is a popular name among African Americans, as it is often used to honor the historical figure 'Reuben' V. Sheppard, an influential civil rights activist.