Rufus

Meaning of Rufus

Rufus, pronounced ROO-fuhs, is a spirited choice with roots stretching back to ancient Rome, where the Latin word rufus—“red-haired”—was first used as a friendly nickname. Over the centuries it has popped up in early Christian texts (think Rufus of Thebes), graced the reign of England’s King William “Rufus,” and even lent its charm to modern figures like actor Rufus Sewell or singer Rufus Wainwright. Though it once ranked inside the top 100 boys’ names in late-19th-century America, today Rufus enjoys a quieter spot—hovering around 900th in the U.S. in 2024—making it a perfect pick for parents who love vintage flair without the crowd. Warm yet uncommon, it evokes fiery sunsets, spirited independence and the promise that every child named Rufus can write his own legend.