Holding steady.
Popularity of Ruffus since 1881
Babies named Ruffus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ruffus's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 20 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 112 |
| 1920s | 203 |
| 1930s | 150 |
| 1940s | 105 |
| 1950s | 60 |
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ruffus is a rare given name, first recorded in the United States in 1881. It has never appeared in the Social Security Administration's top 1000 names, reflecting its consistent obscurity. The name has maintained a stable trajectory over the decades, never gaining widespread use. While its peak year was 1881, the 1-in-N incidence is unavailable due to its low frequency. Ruffus is a variant of the more familiar Rufus, which has ancient Roman origins meaning 'red-haired.' This spelling with a double 'f' is a less common but historical alternative. The name may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive, old-fashioned choice with a straightforward meaning.
Ruffus is a variant spelling of Rufus, derived from the Latin cognomen Rufus meaning 'red' or 'red-haired.' The name was used in ancient Rome and later revived in the English-speaking world, often as a given name or nickname for someone with red hair. The spelling with double 'f' is less common but historically attested.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ruff, Ruf
Variants: Rufus
Sibling names for Ruffus
Names that share Ruffus's style, for a brother or sister.
