Ruger is a unique and distinctive given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic word "Hrigo," which means "spear." The name has a strong and powerful connotation, reflecting its warrior roots.
The name Ruger is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history. One notable figure with this name was Rugerus, a French monk who lived in the 9th century. He was known for his scholarly works and contributions to the study of literature during the Middle Ages.
In more recent times, the name Ruger has gained some popularity due to its use by celebrities. For example, American actor Jeremy Renner uses this name for his son. This has helped to bring greater attention to the name and may have contributed to a slight increase in its usage.
Overall, the name Ruger is an unusual but compelling choice for a given name. Its Germanic origins and powerful meaning make it a strong and distinctive option for parents looking for something unique for their child. While not as widely used as some other names, Ruger has a rich history and an appealing sound that sets it apart from more common choices.
The name Ruger has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. Starting with just 7 births in both 1993 and 1994, the number of newborns named Ruger doubled to 15 by the year 2000.
From there, the name's popularity continued to grow steadily. By 2011, the number of babies named Ruger had reached 94, more than a tenfold increase from its initial numbers in the early 1990s. This upward trend persisted, with peaks of 167 births in 2016 and 166 in 2017.
However, since 2018, the popularity of the name Ruger has started to decline slightly, with the number of newborns named Ruger dropping from a high of 155 in 2014 to 111 in 2022. Despite this recent dip, the total number of babies named Ruger over these three decades is an impressive 2,168.
This data demonstrates that while the name Ruger may not have always been a common choice among American parents, it has certainly made its mark on the baby naming landscape in recent years. Its popularity ebbs and flows, but overall, Ruger remains a notable name choice for newborn boys in the United States.