Reuben

Reuben is derived from the Hebrew words ra’a, meaning "to see, to understand," and ben, "son." As a phrase it translates to "behold, a son." In the Bible, Reuben is Jacob's first-born son by Leah and the founder of one of the tribes of Israel.

Reuben is a rich and resonant underused Old Testament choice with several ingredients for success: its biblical pedigree, the distinction of being one of the Hebrew baby names that's never been heavily used, and a friendly, down-home image. Maybe the current crowd of Jacobs will grow up and follow their biblical namesake by calling their own sons Reuben.

Only downsides: Reuben is also known as a sandwich, and is the source of the word rube.

Panama-born salsa singer Ruben Blades represents the Latin version (with the accent on the second syllable); Reuven is the name in Hebrew.

Gender

Boy

Meaning

behold, a son

Origin

Hebrew

Numerology

R is for realist, the way you are.

E is for elegant, born within you.

U is for uncanny, the way you know what to do.

B is for blossom, a renewal of your spirit.

E is for eternal, your spirit will live.

N is for neatness, your orderly way.

Lucky

Reuben lucky number is 2.

Within numerology, the 2 vibration assumes the role of the mediator, creating harmony by bringing together dissonant forces through compassion, empathy, and kindness. 2 is linked to psychic abilities and intuition, and if this number appears as a Life Path or Destiny Number, the individual will be astute to subtle energy shifts and emotional nuances. Because 2 is so sensitive, it is very conflict-averse, and can end up feeling under-appreciated or unacknowledged. 2 must avoid seeking external validation and, instead, realize that perfect equilibrium needed already exists within.

Famous People Named Reuben

• Reuben eldest son of Jacob in the Bible
• Reuben Eaton Fenton U.S. Congressman from New York
• Reuben Fine American chess grandmaster, psychologist and author
• Reuben Wood American politician; 21st governor of Ohio
• Reuben Droughns American NFL football player

Reuben in Pop Culture

• Reuben Ainsworth character on TV's "Skins"
• Reuben Tishkoff character in "Ocean's" series
• Reuben character on TV's "iCarly"
• Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn main character in book/film "True Grit"
• Reuben English alt rock band