What does Rufina mean and where does it come from?
Rufina is derived from the Latin name 'Rufus', meaning 'red' or 'red-haired'. The name is prevalent in Italy and Spain, often associated with historical figures such as Saint Rufina, a 3rd-century Christian martyr. In Russia, the name has been used as a feminine form of Rufus. The name's popularity
Cultural significance
Rufina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red-haired.
Peak popularity
Reached #1380 in 1928 — currently #10999 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rufina?
Rufina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rufina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rufina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rufina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rufina Claire
French influence · crisp
Rufina Jane
Literary · strong
Rufina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rufina right now?
Rising fast — up 4047 spots — currently #10999 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10999 | 9 | ▲ up 4047 · +80% births |
| 2020 | #15046 | 5 | ▲ up 2002 |
| 2010 | #17048 | 5 | ▼ down 509 |
| 2005 | #16539 | 5 | ▼ down 5741 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #10798 | 8 | ▲ up 1053 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #11851 | 6 | ▼ down 2563 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #9288 | 8 | ▲ up 1488 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #10776 | 5 | ▼ down 2540 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #8236 | 7 | ▼ down 1001 |
| 1975 | #7235 | 7 | ▼ down 93 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #7142 | 6 | ▼ down 2247 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #4895 | 8 | ▼ down 403 · -11% births |
| 1960 | #4492 | 9 | ▼ down 1240 · -31% births |
| 1955 | #3252 | 13 | ▲ up 784 · +63% births |
| 1950 | #4036 | 8 | — |
The story of Rufina
Rufina has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. With 1,016 total births recorded, Rufina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2078 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10999 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Rufina in 1928:
Rufina by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 33 | |
| 1910s | 117 | |
| 1920s ★ | 244 | |
| 1930s | 119 | |
| 1940s | 119 | |
| 1950s | 72 | |
| 1960s | 54 | |
| 1970s | 46 | |
| 1980s | 60 | |
| 1990s | 66 | |
| 2000s | 50 | |
| 2010s | 26 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 1,016 total births, Rufina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Rufina?
What names sound and feel like Rufina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rufina also consider these
How is Rufina written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Rufina?
Common questions about the name Rufina
What does the name Rufina mean?
Rufina means "red-haired" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Rufina?
Rufina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rufina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rufina?
Rufina originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Rufina?
Rufina is a three-syllable name pronounced R UW0 F IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Rufina?
Rufina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.