Ruffus

“red-haired; red-headed”

Latin origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1828US 2023

372Births / yr

→Stable

674All-time births

📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ruffus

RUHF·UHS

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

“red-haired; red-headed”

Latin origin · Boy name

What does Ruffus mean and where does it come from?

Ruffus is derived from the Latin word 'rufus', meaning 'red' or 'red-haired'. Historically, it was used as a surname or nickname in medieval Europe. It has been borne by various notable figures, including Rufus D’ussey, a Bishop of Thetford in the 11th century. The name carries a rugged charm and ha

Cultural significance

Ruffus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red-haired; red-headed.

Peak popularity

Reached #778 in 1881 — currently #1828 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ruffus?

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

Ruffus Grace

How popular is Ruffus right now?

Holding steady — currently #1828 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1828 · Top 1.3%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1828	372	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1833	352	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1838	322	▲ up 1703 · +5267% births
1955	#3541	6	▼ down 935 · -33% births
1950	#2606	9	▲ up 427 · +50% births
1945	#3033	6	▼ down 1551 · -71% births
1940	#1482	21	▲ up 568 · +62% births
1935	#2050	13	▼ down 284 · -28% births
1930	#1766	18	▲ up 185 · +6% births
1925	#1951	17	▲ up 37
1920	#1988	17	▼ down 85 · +13% births
1915	#1903	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ruffus

Best Year1940Rank #1482

Peak Count372

Average Rank#2152

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202312 years

The story of Ruffus

Ruffus has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 674 total births recorded, Ruffus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1903 in 1915 to #1828 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ruffus in 1881:

John William James George Charles

Ruffus by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	20
1890s	5
1900s	11
1910s	112
1920s ★	203
1930s	150
1940s	105
1950s	60
1960s	8

💎Ruffus has only 674 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ruffus?

Common

RufRuUffus

Famous people named Ruffus

Ruffus (Renaissance scholar)

Ruffus used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Ruffus (Renaissance scholar)

Ruffus used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ruffus?

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

Rufus

American · Red-haired or reddish

Rufas

Latin · red-haired

Bufus

International · A International name

Rufes

Latin · Red-haired

Ruckus

English · A beloved name

Rudeus

English · A meaningful name

Curtus

Latin · Latin

Justus

Latin · Just, fair or

Common questions about the name Ruffus

What does the name Ruffus mean?

Ruffus means "red-haired; red-headed" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Ruffus?

Ruffus 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 Ruffus?

Ruffus originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Ruffus?

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

Is Ruffus a common or rare name?

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