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Rufus
♂ Boy
Pronounced ROO-fəs /ˈru.fəs/High
Meaning: From Latin rufus, 'red, red-haired'High
In 30 seconds: Warmly red-headed: Rufus is Latin for 'red, red-haired' — a vintage classic with friendly charm (musician Rufus Wainwright). Cheery, characterful, and bold.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin rufus, 'red, red-haired'
U.S. rank (2025)#4019 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births27 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1922
Total births (all-time)≈ 36,072
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Rufus comes from Latin rufus, 'red, red-haired' — a Roman cognomen and a New Testament name. A characterful vintage classic, it's worn by musician Rufus Wainwright; warm and friendly.
It registers thinly today. Rare, red-haired at the root, and characterful.
Did you know? Rufus means 'red-haired' in Latin — a New Testament name and an old nickname for redheads; King William II of England was called William Rufus.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Rufus — etymology
Variations
RufousRuffus
Nicknames
Ruf
Famous Bearers
- ★Rufus Wainwright (1973-)Canadian-American singer-songwriter known for elaborate pop and classical compositions
- ★Rufus Thomas (1917-2001)American singer, dancer, and DJ who was a pioneering figure in Memphis soul and R&B
- ★Rufus Sewell (1967-)British actor known for roles in The Man in the High Castle and Victoria
- ★Rufus King (1755-1827)American Founding Father, senator, and diplomat who signed the U.S. Constitution
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Rufus mean?
Rufus is Latin for 'red, red-haired'.
How do you pronounce Rufus?
It's said ROO-fəs /ˈru.fəs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Rufus a boy or girl name?
Rufus is a boy's name.
How popular is Rufus?
Rufus is a rare vintage name in the U.S.