Ruthenians is a name that has been applied to different ethnic groups at different times; for an explanation of the reasons for this, see Ruthenia.

Generally, in old documents, the terms "Ruthenians", "Ruthenes" and "Russians" mostly have the same meaning. In modern usage, however, the terms may significantly differ in meaning.

1. Ruthenes - inhabitants of Ruthenia (Rus'). In general Ruthenes means all people speaking East Slavic languages.
2. Ruthenes - former name for Ukrainians.
3. Ruthenes - present name for Rusyns.