Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Rufina since 1892
Babies named Rufina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 33 |
| 1910s | 117 |
| 1920s | 244 |
| 1930s | 119 |
| 1940s | 119 |
| 1950s | 72 |
| 1960s | 54 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 60 |
| 1990s | 66 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 26 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Rufina is a rare Latin-derived name meaning 'red-haired'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1892, reaching its peak rank of 2,535 in 1928. Since then, its usage has remained extremely low; as of 2025, it ranks 13,208 with an incidence of 1 in 267,878 births. The name has a stable trajectory, neither rising nor falling significantly. Though it never ranked among the top baby names, Rufina has a distinguished history through Saint Rufina, a 3rd-century martyr. Its limited adoption in the U.S. reflects its niche appeal among parents seeking an uncommon, historically resonant name.
Rufina is the feminine form of Rufinus, a Roman cognomen derived from 'rufus' meaning 'red' or 'red-haired'. It was borne by a 3rd-century Christian martyr, Saint Rufina, often paired with Saint Secunda. The name spread across Europe through hagiography and was used in Italy, Spain, and Poland, though never widespread in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rufi, Fina, Rina
Variants: Rufina (Polish), Rufine (French), Rufina (Spanish)
Sibling names for Rufina
Names that share Rufina's style, for a brother or sister.
