Rutledge Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: RUT-lij //ˈrʌt.lɪdʒ//
Origin: English; Scottish
Meaning: English: From the red meadow; Scottish: From the red hill
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Rutledge has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "rūth" meaning "rushing water" and "leah" meaning "clearing" or "meadow." This etymology suggests a geographical origin, likely referring to a place characterized by a stream or a meadow near water. The name evolved through various forms, with early instances appearing in medieval records as Rutlidge or Rutlidge, before settling into its current form in the English language.
The transition into English can be traced back to the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which introduced many Old English names into the vernacular, often through the lens of Norman French influence. Historically, Rutledge is associated with several notable figures and places.
One significant milestone is its use as a surname in England, where it was adopted by families residing near a location that matched the name's geographical connotation. The name appears in various historical documents from the 13th century onwards, indicating its established presence in English society.
Additionally, Rutledge has been linked to several prominent individuals in American history, particularly during the colonial and revolutionary periods, although specific references to these figures are less documented in earlier English records. Culturally, the name Rutledge carries connotations of nature and pastoral life, reflecting its origins in the landscape.
This connection to the environment has contributed to its resonance in literature and historical narratives, often symbolizing a link to the land and heritage. The name's association with water and meadows evokes imagery of tranquility and natural beauty, which has helped it endure through the centuries.
While diminutive forms or variations may exist, the name Rutledge itself has maintained a consistent identity rooted in its historical and linguistic origins.
Famous people named Rutledge
In this section, you will find notable people named Rutledge. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Rutledge who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Rutledge who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Rutledge Wood is a television personality and auto racing commentator best known for his work on NASCAR on NBC, Top Gear America, and the Food Network's Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Rutledge, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Rutledge. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rutledge was first seen in the United States in 1913.
Rutledge has ranked as high as #9222 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in South Carolina.
In the past 5 years the name Rutledge has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Rutledge is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Rutledge was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Rutledge.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 9 |
| 2024 | 12 | 12 |
| 2023 | 16 | 16 |
| 2022 | 12 | 12 |
| 2021 | 11 | 11 |
| 2020 | 7 | 7 |
| 2019 | 15 | 15 |
| 2018 | 11 | 11 |
| 2017 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | 19 | 19 |
| 2015 | 18 | 18 |
| 2014 | 24 | 24 |
| 2013 | 23 | 23 |
| 2012 | 20 | 20 |
| 2011 | 6 | 6 |
| 1981 | 5 | 5 |
| 1977 | 5 | 5 |
| 1974 | 5 | 5 |
| 1970 | 6 | 6 |
| 1955 | 6 | 6 |
| 1943 | 7 | 7 |
| 1935 | 5 | 5 |
| 1932 | 5 | 5 |
| 1930 | 7 | 7 |
| 1926 | 6 | 6 |
| 1925 | 6 | 6 |
| 1924 | 5 | 5 |
| 1921 | 6 | 6 |
| 1920 | 5 | 5 |
| 1919 | 11 | 11 |
| 1918 | 7 | 7 |
| 1913 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Rutledge (2012)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| SC | 5 |