What does Rufino mean and where does it come from?
Rufino originates from the Latin 'Rufus', meaning red-haired or red. It has been historically used in various cultures, particularly in Spanish and Italian communities. The name is relatively common in countries such as Mexico and Spain. Notable figures include Saint Rufinus, a Christian martyr.
Cultural significance
Rufino has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red-haired, derived from 'rufus'..
Peak popularity
Reached #1321 in 1927 — currently #7206 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rufino?
Rufino works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rufino Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rufino Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rufino Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rufino Claire
French influence · crisp
Rufino Jane
Literary · strong
Rufino Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rufino right now?
Rising fast — up 446 spots — currently #7206 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7206 | 12 | ▲ up 446 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #7652 | 11 | ▲ up 1048 · +22% births |
| 2021 | #8700 | 9 | ▲ up 845 · +29% births |
| 2020 | #9545 | 7 | ▲ up 104 |
| 2015 | #9649 | 7 | ▼ down 2517 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #7132 | 11 | ▼ down 2286 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #4846 | 17 | ▼ down 1839 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #3007 | 29 | ▼ down 57 · +21% births |
| 1995 | #2950 | 24 | ▼ down 153 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #2797 | 23 | ▼ down 479 |
| 1985 | #2318 | 23 | ▼ down 8 · +5% births |
| 1980 | #2310 | 22 | ▼ down 149 · +5% births |
| 1975 | #2161 | 21 | ▲ up 182 · +31% births |
| 1970 | #2343 | 16 | ▲ up 537 · +78% births |
| 1965 | #2880 | 9 | — |
The story of Rufino
Rufino entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 1,608 total births recorded, Rufino remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2447 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7206 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Rufino in 1927:
Rufino by decade
Rufino peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 33 | |
| 1920s | 154 | |
| 1930s | 119 | |
| 1940s | 152 | |
| 1950s | 153 | |
| 1960s | 146 | |
| 1970s | 146 | |
| 1980s | 188 | |
| 1990s | 201 | |
| 2000s ★ | 202 | |
| 2010s | 107 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎With 1,608 total births, Rufino is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Rufino?
Famous people named Rufino
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Rufino (Spanish saint)
Rufino helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
R(
Rufino (Flamenco artist)
Rufino carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
R(
Rufino (Latin American historical figure)
Rufino used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
R(
Rufino (Spanish royal)
Rufino held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Rufino?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rufino also consider these
How is Rufino written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Rufino?
Common questions about the name Rufino
What does the name Rufino mean?
Rufino means "Red-haired, derived from 'Rufus'." — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Rufino?
Rufino is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rufino have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rufino?
Rufino originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Rufino?
Rufino is a four-syllable name pronounced AA1 R Y UW1 F IY1 N OW0. 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 Rufino?
Rufino pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.