Rufus Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationROO-fus / ˈruːfəsLatin; English
Meaning
Latin: red-haired; English: a name derived from Latin
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Rufus has its roots in Latin, derived from the word "rufus," meaning "red" or "reddish." This etymology likely referred to the hair color of individuals, a common practice in naming conventions across various cultures. The name entered the English language through Old French, where it was adopted as "Ruf," before evolving into its current form. The transition from Latin to Old French and then to Middle English illustrates the linguistic shifts that occurred during the Norman Conquest and subsequent centuries, which significantly influenced the English lexicon.
Historically, Rufus has been borne by notable figures, including the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus, commonly known as Domitian, who was referred to as Rufus due to his red hair. In the Christian tradition, Saint Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Romans, which dates to the first century. His mention in biblical texts has contributed to the name's significance within Christian communities, particularly during the early medieval period when saints' names were commonly adopted.
Culturally, the name Rufus has been associated with various symbolic meanings, particularly those related to strength and vitality, as the color red often symbolizes life and energy. The name has also appeared in literature and historical texts, reinforcing its presence in cultural narratives. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Rufe" have been used historically, reflecting the affectionate and familiar use of the name in various contexts. Overall, Rufus carries a rich historical and cultural legacy that has allowed it to endure through the centuries.
Trend Summary
Rufus has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards vintage names.
Similar Names
Variants
- Rufe
- Rufie
International Variants
- Ruf (German)
- Rufus (Latin)
Famous people named Rufus
Rufus Wainwright is a singer-songwriter best known for Want One, Poses, and Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall.
Rufus Sewell is an actor best known for Dark City, A Knight's Tale, and The Man in the High Castle.
Rufus Thomas is a singer and songwriter best known for Walking the Dog, Do the Funky Chicken, and The Breakdown.
Fictional characters named Rufus
Rufus is a fictional character from the animated television series Kim Possible. He is a naked mole rat and the loyal pet and sidekick of the protagonist, Kim Possible.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rufus was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rufus has ranked as high as #409 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi. In the past 5 years the name Rufus has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Rufus (2019)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 163 |
1881 | 121 |
1882 | 147 |
1883 | 125 |
1884 | 117 |
1885 | 118 |
1886 | 139 |
1887 | 119 |
1888 | 126 |
1889 | 108 |
1890 | 115 |
1891 | 107 |
1892 | 137 |
1893 | 139 |
1894 | 128 |
1895 | 135 |
1896 | 145 |
1897 | 124 |
1898 | 141 |
1899 | 127 |
1900 | 157 |
1901 | 121 |
1902 | 152 |
1903 | 134 |
1904 | 138 |
1905 | 157 |
1906 | 156 |
1907 | 175 |
1908 | 156 |
1909 | 206 |
1910 | 221 |
1911 | 230 |
1912 | 336 |
1913 | 410 |
1914 | 495 |
1915 | 588 |
1916 | 577 |
1917 | 646 |
1918 | 721 |
1919 | 677 |
1920 | 729 |
1921 | 721 |
1922 | 737 |
1923 | 678 |
1924 | 709 |
1925 | 676 |
1926 | 641 |
1927 | 690 |
1928 | 602 |
1929 | 566 |
1930 | 565 |
1931 | 482 |
1932 | 511 |
1933 | 477 |
1934 | 480 |
1935 | 460 |
1936 | 449 |
1937 | 479 |
1938 | 443 |
1939 | 430 |
1940 | 460 |
1941 | 457 |
1942 | 456 |
1943 | 483 |
1944 | 480 |
1945 | 411 |
1946 | 467 |
1947 | 489 |
1948 | 466 |
1949 | 498 |
1950 | 407 |
1951 | 445 |
1952 | 456 |
1953 | 449 |
1954 | 475 |
1955 | 406 |
1956 | 402 |
1957 | 410 |
1958 | 347 |
1959 | 358 |
1960 | 332 |
1961 | 330 |
1962 | 272 |
1963 | 301 |
1964 | 303 |
1965 | 228 |
1966 | 228 |
1967 | 232 |
1968 | 193 |
1969 | 206 |
1970 | 184 |
1971 | 196 |
1972 | 178 |
1973 | 164 |
1974 | 144 |
1975 | 147 |
1976 | 149 |
1977 | 142 |
1978 | 132 |
1979 | 134 |
1980 | 149 |
1981 | 139 |
1982 | 119 |
1983 | 120 |
1984 | 108 |
1985 | 125 |
1986 | 89 |
1987 | 97 |
1988 | 96 |
1989 | 78 |
1990 | 81 |
1991 | 78 |
1992 | 67 |
1993 | 55 |
1994 | 62 |
1995 | 44 |
1996 | 39 |
1997 | 47 |
1998 | 42 |
1999 | 43 |
2000 | 36 |
2001 | 34 |
2002 | 39 |
2003 | 28 |
2004 | 41 |
2005 | 34 |
2006 | 36 |
2007 | 29 |
2008 | 27 |
2009 | 24 |
2010 | 36 |
2011 | 40 |
2012 | 30 |
2013 | 44 |
2014 | 20 |
2015 | 43 |
2016 | 35 |
2017 | 36 |
2018 | 26 |
2019 | 30 |
2020 | 26 |
2021 | 25 |
2022 | 27 |
2023 | 19 |
2024 | 26 |