Rufus

Rufus is a male first name that has its origins in Latin and Roman culture. The meaning of the name includes terms like 'the Red', 'the Red-haired', and 'the Redhead'.

What does the name Rufus mean?

The name Rufus is a male first name that has its roots in Latin and Roman culture. Its meanings include 'the Red', 'the Red-haired', and 'the Redhead'. Originally, the name was used in antiquity and the Middle Ages as a Roman nickname Rufinus for individuals with notably red hair or reddish skin tone. Over time, the name evolved into Rufus, which is still occasionally given today and also exists as a surname. It derives from the Latin word rufus, meaning 'red-haired' or 'fox-red'. In biology, Rufus is also used as a nickname for certain reddish animal species. Among the most famous bearers of the name is Saint Rufus of Rome, a disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of Thebes. The name is particularly popular in English-speaking countries, often in the form Russell. Other variants include Ruffus, Rufin, Rufino, Ruphus, Rúfusz (Hungarian), Raphus, Russell (English), and Ruffo (Italian).

Where does the name Rufus come from?

The boy's name Rufus has its origins in the Latin and Roman linguistic area. It originally comes from the Roman nickname Rufinus, which was often used for people with reddish hair. The name is derived from the Latin word rufus, which means 'red-haired' or 'fox-red'.

How do you pronounce Rufus?

The pronunciation of Rufus is clear and two-syllable. In the German phonetic form, it is pronounced as 'Ru-fus' [ˈʁuːfʊs], starting with a long U sound that conveys a certain depth. The arrangement of consonants provides a distinct structure. The ending '-us' gives the name a classic sound. Rufus radiates tradition and strength - it feels present, powerful, and timeless.

When is the name day of Rufus?

The name day for Rufus is celebrated on November 21.

Popularity

In Germany, Rufus is among the popular first names. Currently, it ranks 1,098th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was in 2011, when it reached 512th place. In the last ten years, Rufus has been given as a first name about 600 times, which places it at 778th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it is ranked 756th.

Nicknames & pet names

Furufu / Fusel / Ru / Rucksack / Ruf / Rufi / Rufl / Rufu / Rufusel / Rumus / RuRu

Famous people

• Charles Rufus Brown (American scholar)
• Clarence Rufus J Rivers (American composer)
• J. Rufus Fears (Georgia historian)
• Rufus (main character of the video game 'Chaos on Deponia')
• Rufus B. Nalley (football player from Georgia)
• Rufus Barma (character from the anime 'Pandora Hearts')
• Rufus Barringer (1821–1895), American lawyer, politician, and general
• Rufus Beck (actor)
• Rufus Bowen (American mathematician)
• Rufus Cole (American physicist)
• Rufus Deal (American football player)
• Rufus Excalibur Folkes (main role in the film 'Sprengkommando Atlantik' (actor: Roger Moore))
• Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (name of the legendary funk band of the 70s and 80s)
• Rufus French (football player from America)
• Rufus Froschauer (German football player)
• Rufus Harley (American jazz musician)
• Rufus Harris (basketball player from America)
• Rufus Isaacs (mathematician from the USA)
• Rufus Johnson (football player from America)
• Rufus Jones (English actor)