Rufus
Rufus: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɹuːfəs/
Meaning and origin of Rufus
Root meaning: “red”
- A male given name from Latin, used since the seventeenth century.
Etymology
From Latin rūfus (“red”).
How popular is Rufus?
Since 1880, 151 girls and 36,074 boys in the U.S. have been named Rufus (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3124 in 1913. Its highest rank for boys was #88 in 1880. In 2025, 27 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Rufus
Sister and brother names that share Rufus's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Rufus FAQ
What does the name Rufus mean?
Rufus traces back to a root meaning "red". A male given name from Latin, used since the seventeenth century. From Latin rūfus (“red”).
What is the origin of the name Rufus?
Rufus is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Rufus?
Since 1880, 151 girls and 36,074 boys in the U.S. have been named Rufus (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3124 in 1913. Its highest rank for boys was #88 in 1880. In 2025, 27 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Rufus a boy or girl name?
Rufus is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 151 girls and 36,074 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.