What does Rufus mean and where does it come from?
Rufus is a name of Latin origin, traditionally used as a male name, meaning 'red-haired' or 'reddish.' It has been used for notable figures throughout history, including early Christians and Roman figures. While primarily a male name, Rufus has occasionally been adopted for females in modern context
Cultural significance
Rufus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red-haired or reddish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2841 in 1913 — currently #661 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rufus?
Rufus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rufus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rufus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rufus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rufus Claire
French influence · crisp
Rufus Jane
Literary · strong
Rufus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rufus right now?
Holding steady — currently #661 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #661 | 1,539 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #666 | 1,519 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #671 | 1,489 | ▲ up 5889 · +29680% births |
| 1965 | #6560 | 5 | ▼ down 1336 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #5224 | 6 | ▼ down 2003 · -25% births |
| 1940 | #3221 | 8 | ▲ up 812 · +14% births |
| 1925 | #4033 | 7 | ▲ up 374 · +17% births |
| 1920 | #4407 | 6 | ▼ down 961 · -14% births |
| 1915 | #3446 | 7 | — |
The story of Rufus
Rufus entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. A total of 36,091 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3446 in 1915 to #661 in 2023. Rufus is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rufus in 1913:
Rufus by decade
Rufus peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,283 | |
| 1890s | 1,298 | |
| 1900s | 1,552 | |
| 1910s | 4,926 | |
| 1920s ★ | 6,808 | |
| 1930s | 4,787 | |
| 1940s | 4,689 | |
| 1950s | 4,177 | |
| 1960s | 2,634 | |
| 1970s | 1,570 | |
| 1980s | 1,120 | |
| 1990s | 556 | |
| 2000s | 325 | |
| 2010s | 340 | |
| 2020s | 26 | |
What are good nicknames for Rufus?
What names sound and feel like Rufus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rufus also consider these
How is Rufus written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rufus
What does the name Rufus mean?
Rufus means "Red-haired or reddish" — a name rooted in American 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 Rufus?
Rufus is currently ranked #661 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Rufus?
Rufus originates from American tradition. American 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 Rufus?
Rufus is a two-syllable name pronounced R UW1 F AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rufus more of a girl or boy name?
Rufus is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.