Ruffin

“little rough”

France origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1208US 2023

992Births / yr

→Stable

555All-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ruffin

RUHF·in

/ˈrəf.ɪn/ · stress on RUHF · 2 syllables

“little rough”

France origin · Boy name

What does Ruffin mean and where does it come from?

The name Ruffin is of French origin, derived from the Old French 'Rof' meaning 'rough' or 'shaggy'. It has medieval roots, often used as a surname before evolving into a given name. The first recorded use of Ruffin as a given name dates back to the Middle Ages. It is relatively uncommon in modern ti

Cultural significance

Ruffin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little rough.

Peak popularity

Reached #957 in 1886 — currently #1208 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ruffin?

Ruffin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ruffin Grace

How popular is Ruffin right now?

Holding steady — currently #1208 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1208 · Top 0.89%

1915

1920

1925

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1975

1990

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1208	992	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1213	972	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1218	942	▲ up 11061 · +18740% births
2010	#12279	5	▼ down 4089
1990	#8190	5	▼ down 2654
1975	#5536	5	▼ down 1429
1960	#4107	5	▼ down 144
1955	#3963	5	▼ down 887 · -29% births
1950	#3076	7	▼ down 277
1945	#2799	7	▼ down 425 · -30% births
1940	#2374	10	▼ down 482 · -44% births
1925	#1892	18	▲ up 368 · +29% births
1920	#2260	14	▲ up 874 · +100% births
1915	#3134	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ruffin

Best Year2023Rank #1208

Peak Count992

Average Rank#3804

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Ruffin

Ruffin has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 555 total births recorded, Ruffin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3134 in 1915 to #1208 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ruffin in 1886:

John William James George Charles

Ruffin by decade

Ruffin peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	6
1900s	5
1910s	72
1920s ★	128
1930s	66
1940s	105
1950s	68
1960s	30
1970s	20
1980s	16
1990s	17
2000s	7
2010s	15

💎Ruffin has only 555 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ruffin?

Common

RufRuUffin

What names sound and feel like Ruffin?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ruffin also consider these

Rustin

American · English

Ruebin

Hebrew · behold, a son

Ruxin

Chinese · Chinese

Urbin

France · from the city

Ruffus

Latin · red-haired; red-headed

Bufkin

International · A International name

Common questions about the name Ruffin

What does the name Ruffin mean?

Ruffin means "little rough" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Ruffin?

Ruffin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ruffin?

Ruffin originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Ruffin?

Ruffin is a two-syllable name pronounced R AH1 F IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ruffin a common or rare name?

Ruffin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.