Boy Name · Latin Origin
Rufus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rufus — a boy name from the Latin tradition — is distinctive but not obscure. Its meaning, "Red-haired", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Ruffus is on your shortlist, Rufus belongs in the same conversation.
Names like Rufus
Frequently asked about Rufus
What does the name Rufus mean?
Rufus means "Red-haired" and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of Rufus?
Rufus originates in Latin naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Rufus?
Rufus has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Rufus a boy's or girl's name?
Rufus is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Rufus in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Rufus sits in the Top 1000 tier — distinctive but not obscure.
What names are similar to Rufus?
Names that share Rufus's sound and style include Ruffus, Revis, Rivka, Rebecca, Rebeca.