Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rufus has its origins in Latin, meaning 'red-haired'. It evolved from Latin through Old French and Middle English. Rufus is associated with traits of strength and tradition and has biblical relevance mainly through its early Christian usage.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈruːfəs/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Rufus is derived from the Latin word 'rufus', which means 'red' or 'red-haired'. It was originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair.
Meaning
red-haired
Language Evolution
Rufus (Latin), Rufus (Old French), Rufus (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Rufus was popular in ancient Rome and was borne by several early Christian saints. The name saw a resurgence in the Middle Ages among Christians.
Variants & Derivatives
Rufe, Rufie, Rufino
Modern Popularity & Image
Rufus is considered a classic name that evokes a sense of tradition and strength. It is not extremely common today but is recognized for its historical significance.
Famous People
Rufus Wainwright (musician), Rufus Sewell (actor), Rufus Taylor (drummer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 746 peak births in 1922
Geographic Spread
Popular across 30 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 183rd of 7545 | 11,877 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 256th of 6773 | 8,691 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 368th of 7552 | 7,613 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 618th of 10718 | 2,806 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1104th of 16616 | 1,397 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2929th of 24088 | 566 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3669th of 23106 | 357 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4448th of 9107 | 72 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5743rd of 9204 | 36 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7700th of 12526 | 38 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
31.57% 447th/1416 |
34.08% 470th/1379 |
4.35% 103rd/2366 |
66.64% 761st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
32.47% 502nd/1546 |
34.77% 541st/1556 |
6.93% 163rd/2353 |
46.99% 727th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
23.26% 518th/2227 |
21.81% 530th/2430 |
9.25% 264th/2853 |
26.77% 743rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
25.74% 756th/2937 |
21.02% 732nd/3483 |
12.85% 452nd/3518 |
23.89% 966th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
36.80% 1356th/3685 |
33.63% 1505th/4475 |
16.25% 844th/5194 |
32.47% 2051st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
66.98% 3459th/5164 |
37.44% 2738th/7313 |
62.03% 4629th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
69.69% 3127th/4487 |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
63.67% 3996th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in South Carolina across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 183rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 256th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 368th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 618th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1104th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2929th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3669th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4448th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5743rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7700th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.