Meaning & History
Rút is the Czech and Slovak form of Ruth, derived from the Hebrew name רוּת (Ruṯ), which may come from the Hebrew word רְעוּת (reʿuṯ) meaning "female friend." The biblical Ruth is the central figure of the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, a Moabite woman who accompanied her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem after her husband's death. There she married Boaz and became an ancestor of King David (according to the Book of Ruth).
Cultural and Linguistic Aspects
In Czech and Slovak, Rút is used as a given name for females, equivalent to the English Ruth. It is also used as the name of the biblical book of Ruth in these languages. The pronunciation is [ruːt] in both Czech and Slovak, following standard phonetic rules.
Usage and Spread
The name Ruth gained popularity as a Christian name after the Protestant Reformation. In English, it was associated with the word "ruth" meaning compassion or pity. In the United States, the name surged after the birth of "Baby" Ruth Cleveland (1891–1904), daughter of President Grover Cleveland. In Czech and Slovak contexts, Rút has been adopted as the standard form of the biblical name.
- Meaning: "female friend" (Hebrew) or derived from the element reʿuṯ.
- Origin: Hebrew, via the Bible.
- Type: First name (female).
- Usage regions: Czech Republic, Slovakia.
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Rút