Ruel is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'friend' or 'companion'. It is derived from the Hebrew word 're-U-il', which is composed of the roots 'ray' (friend) and 'el' (God). This name has gained popularity in recent years due to its modern sound and meaningful etymology. Ruel is often associated with individuals who are supportive, loyal, and kind-hearted, reflecting the essence of its meaning.
The name Ruel has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years, with fluctuations ranging from single digits to as high as 47 births in a single year (1924). The peak period for this name seems to have been between 1912 and 1936, with several years during this span seeing more than 20 births. However, since the mid-20th century, there has been a significant decline in the popularity of this name, with fewer than 15 births reported per year on average from the 1940s onwards. The most recent data shows that Ruel is still in use today, but at a much lower frequency than in previous decades.