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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Is a Ruby likely to be called Rube or Rubes?

84 replies

suzettenoisette · 07/12/2024 22:00

Sorry for asking again, but I felt like my question wouldn't be noticed so much in the general thread and it is worrying me quite a bit.

We are searching for a name and the final four are Rosalind, Ruby, Keira and Annabel/Annabelle.

People have pointed out that a Ruby will be called Rube or Rubes.

I love Ruby, but I dislike Rube and Rubes. Especially Rubes reminds me of an unfortunate word :(

Does anyone know if these are common as nicknames? I personally never hear them and I don't think many girls would like to be known as Rubes. But maybe I'm wrong. Thanks again and sorry for posting twice today, but it's important to me as we are close to the final decision.

Thanks for your help, I really love this place and how much everyone has helped so far. You've been great.

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YellowHeaven · 08/12/2024 15:15

I think it depends where you live. I noticed when I moved to the South West that is was really common to give nicknames like Rubes or Tills for names that originally ended in a Y sound. In some northern accents I think the original ending rolls of the tongue more easily.

Sunnyflow · 08/12/2024 15:15

I personally don't understand how Rubes would be affectionate

Rubes sounds like pubes... so definitely not affectionate imo

WearsBlackEatsChocolateAvoidsPeople · 08/12/2024 15:10

My Ruby is often called Rube or Rubes, she's 16 and it doesn't bother her at all.

Should add that if I could go back I would have called her something else, I always loved Ruby as a name and back in 2008 it was not that common but it is so so common now.

Original poster

suzettenoisette · 08/12/2024 14:56

Thanks, all. I don't mind Rue, it is cute.

I personally don't understand how Rubes would be affectionate, but maybe others don't hear the resemblance to an unfortunate word? It sounds like an insult to me whereas Em and Soph, for example, do not.

I guess it's nothing to worry too much about. Thanks again.

OP posts:

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 08/12/2024 10:59

No, unlikely imo- it’s only 2 syllables and 4 letters - and on the off - chance people do shorten it, surely Rue is just as likely (which is quite pretty imo).

Still much prefer elegant, much more timeless Rosalind though (and cooler namesakes in Franklin and the Shakespeare character). While it’s pretty enough, Ruby is very 2000’s to me (and if it matters, I seem to meet lots of pets with the name - basically any female red haired dog that isn’t called Belle 🤣).

BoleynMemories13 · 08/12/2024 10:47

You really can avoid unwanted nicknames. My own name has very common shortening which I hate (think Aims for Amy - not my name but you get the gist).

My family never used the shortening, I only ever introduce myself as the full name (which is short and sweet as it is) and therefore everyone who knows me only ever uses my proper name. I think in 30 odd years, only a handful of people who aren't close to me (colleagues, acquaintances etc) have ever attempted to address me by the shortening. I simply corrected them by repeating my actual name back and they never attempted again.

Basically, if you choose Ruby and only ever want her to be Ruby it's possible, as long as she's in agreement. If someone tries to call her Rubes when she's little, you correct them. If they do it when she's older and she hates it too, she'll put them straight.

TheNimbleTiger · 08/12/2024 08:19

Its a common friendly shortening. I don’t think it will become an official name though.
Like I know a few women I call Becks day to day but would only introduce them as Becki or Rebecca.

sel2223 · 08/12/2024 08:15

The 2 Ruby's I know are definitely known as Ruby.
Maybe only Rube or Rubes as a very occasional pet name from close family but not a regular nickname

mum1345 · 08/12/2024 08:08

My 3 year old Ruby is known as Ruby/Rue or I'll call her RuRu!

We have never as a family called her Rubes (I have the same feelings as you about the name!)

People just call her Ruby or Rue.
I have had a family member call her Rubes and a nursery worker too.
It doesn't bother me enough to say anything. It's only been said a couple of times! But it does demonstrate that the name may get shortened to that by some people.

AlexandraJJ · 08/12/2024 06:43

My dd is a Ruby and is called by family and friends as such. I’ve heard Rubes twice.

Moreteaandchocolate · 08/12/2024 05:08

suzettenoisette · 07/12/2024 22:11

I wouldn't mind a few times throughout her life, mostly worried about it becoming a permanent nickname, as in everyone just knows her as Rubes instead of Ruby. I know no one can say for sure, but wondering if it is likely.

Rubes is a casual shortening like “Soph” or “Em” for Sophie or Emma. It’s not a formal nn like “Liz” for Elizabeth or “Kate” for Katherine. The Ruby’s I know introduce themselves as Ruby and are known as Ruby day to day, but close friends / family might say Rubes in casual conversation as an affectionate shortening.

HellofromJohnCraven · 07/12/2024 23:08

Roo or Rubarb

TheDogIsInCharge · 07/12/2024 22:56

My Ruby decided her nickname was Wubby or The Wub. That's stuck but strictly family only. Everyone else calls her Ruby. No one has ever shortened her name. But she's quite scary, so...

Shinyandnew1 · 07/12/2024 22:55

Yep-Rubes or Rubles!

FrogFairy · 07/12/2024 22:53

I had an aunt Ruby. Her siblings called her rhubarb.

CuriousGeorge80 · 07/12/2024 22:53

The Ruby I know is called Ruby or Rubes. Never heard Rube for her.

Kitkat1523 · 07/12/2024 22:47

threelittlebearcubs · 07/12/2024 22:08

My Ruby is 8, she's never had either of those nicknames. Her name gets shortened to Roo.

Yeh but she’s not in high school yet….that’s when it all changes

worriedworker121 · 07/12/2024 22:32

suzettenoisette · 07/12/2024 22:00

Sorry for asking again, but I felt like my question wouldn't be noticed so much in the general thread and it is worrying me quite a bit.

We are searching for a name and the final four are Rosalind, Ruby, Keira and Annabel/Annabelle.

People have pointed out that a Ruby will be called Rube or Rubes.

I love Ruby, but I dislike Rube and Rubes. Especially Rubes reminds me of an unfortunate word :(

Thanks for your help, I really love this place and how much everyone has helped so far. You've been great.

I know three Rubys personally, 2 are definitely called Rubes by friends and family. I’m not completely certain of the third as she is a colleague but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was. It seems natural to me.
however, my DH has a name that is often given a nickname but he prefers his full name so corrects anyone that calls him the alternative. Nobody calls him the shortened version.

RubyRedBow · 07/12/2024 22:29

My Ruby is called Rubes occasionally but most call her by her name.

BeADinosaur · 07/12/2024 22:26

I know a Ruby.

We call her Rubicon, Rubix Cube, Cubicon, Ruby Ruby Roo and Rooster.

We...may not be the opinions you are after!

Kevinbaconsrealwife · 07/12/2024 22:25

I know a Ruby and always call her Roo…

SybilTheSpy · 07/12/2024 22:23

I know a few Rorys (young and old) who can be called Rore or Rores by someone close to them. But it doesn't become their actual name. No Rory is going around telling people his name is Rore.

Iwishiwasagiraffe · 07/12/2024 22:17

i know 2 who are both nicknamed rubes

ThePoshUns · 07/12/2024 22:16

My dog is called Ruby.
Rubes, Ruba, Rooby doo, Rubester

WellyBellyBoo · 07/12/2024 22:16

Yes, I have met a few over the years and Rubes is a really popular shortening. I have the same ick factor response as you!

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