Reuben
Reuben is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “behold, a son.” It ranked #883 in the United States in 2025. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah.
Torn between Reuben and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Reuben?
ROO-ben
where does the name Reuben come from?
From the Hebrew re'u, see, and ben, son: behold, a son.
Leah named him Reuben ('behold, a son') because she hoped his birth would win Jacob's love. The Tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River. The name has a warm, approachable quality. It also evokes the beloved Reuben sandwich, giving it an unexpected folksy charm.
how popular is this name?
Reuben has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #147 in 1880, and ranked #883 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #883 |
| 2024 | #857 |
| 2023 | #809 |
| 2022 | #852 |
| 2021 | #879 |
| 2020 | #907 |
| 2019 | #890 |
| 2018 | #927 |
| 2017 | #895 |
| 2016 | #874 |
| 2010 | #976 |
| 2000 | #773 |
| 1990 | #580 |
| 1980 | #495 |
| 1970 | #510 |
| 1960 | #497 |
| 1950 | #464 |
| 1940 | #424 |
| 1930 | #329 |
| 1920 | #254 |
| 1910 | #249 |
| 1900 | #210 |
| 1890 | #178 |
| 1880 | #147 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Reuben fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Reuben
In the Bible Reuben is the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah.
who are famous people named Reuben?
- Reuben (biblical firstborn son of Jacob)
- Reuben Sandwich (iconic American deli sandwich)
what are the nicknames and variants of Reuben?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Reuben?
what names go well with Reuben?
Sibling names that share Reuben's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Reuben
What does the name Reuben mean?
Reuben means “behold, a son”.
What is the origin of the name Reuben?
Reuben comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Ruben and Reuven.
How popular is the name Reuben?
Reuben ranked #883 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1880, at #147, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Reuben a boy or girl name?
Reuben is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Reuben?
Reuben is pronounced ROO-ben, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Reuben? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session