ruben

Ruben is a male given name used in many languages, and it also appears as a surname. It is derived from the Hebrew name Reuven, traditionally interpreted as meaning “behold, a son.” In the Bible, Reuben is the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, a figure whose name was adopted widely across Jewish, Christian, and later secular naming traditions. The form Ruben spread into several languages, with Rubén common in Spanish-speaking regions (often with an acute accent), Reuben in English, and Ruben used in Dutch, German, Armenian, and other contexts.

As a given name, Ruben has many variants and diminutives across cultures. It is popular in Europe and the Americas and has been borne by figures in arts, science, sports, and public life. The name’s ongoing usage reflects its long historical pedigree and its easy pronunciation in many languages.

Notable individuals with the name include Rubén Blades (born 1948), Panamanian musician, actor, and politician; Ruben Östlund (born 1974), Swedish filmmaker; Ruben Studdard (born 1981), American singer who won American Idol; and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (born 1996), English professional footballer. The surname Ruben also appears in various regions.

In addition to people, Ruben is associated with the Reuben sandwich, a deli-style dish typically made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. The sandwich’s origin is the subject of competing tales, with the Omaha, Nebraska area often cited as one possible birthplace.