Reuben: meaning and origin
Reuben
“Behold, a son”
About the name Reuben
Reuben is a boy’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “behold, a son”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Reuben is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
- Caleb 👦Faithful, devoted · Hebrew
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- David 👦Beloved · Hebrew
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, girls)
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
More boy names starting with R
- Rafael 👦God heals · Hebrew
- Ravi 👦Sun · Sanskrit / Indian
- Reid 👦Red-haired · English
- Ren 👦Lotus, or love (depending on the characters) · Japanese
- Rhett 👦Enthusiasm; also from a Dutch surname · Welsh
- Rhys 👦Enthusiasm, ardor · Welsh
- Robert 👦Bright fame · German
- Rohan 👦Ascending · Sanskrit / Indian
- Roman 👦Citizen of Rome · Latin
- Ronan 👦Little seal · Irish
Questions and answers
What does the name Reuben mean?
Reuben is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: behold, a son.
Is Reuben a boy or girl name?
Reuben is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Reuben have?
Reuben has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.