Meaning, origin, history
Rufus is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "rufous," which means red-haired or reddish-colored. It is also associated with the ancient Roman family name Rufus, which was used to denote someone with red hair.
The name Rufus has been in use for centuries and has appeared in various forms throughout history. One notable figure named Rufus was Saint Rufus, who was a companion of Saint Paul and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. He is considered a martyr by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on August 30th.
In more recent times, the name Rufus has been used as a given name for boys. It is often associated with the character of Rufus Scrimgeour from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, who was the Minister of Magic during the events of the sixth book and film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
Overall, Rufus is a distinctive and unique name that has a rich history and an interesting origin story. Despite its association with red hair in some cases, it can be used for boys regardless of their hair color or appearance.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Rufus since 1880
Total births
151
Total since 1880
Peak year
1926
10 births
in 1965
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years