Rufus
Meaning
Red
Origin
Latin
Pronunciation
/ˈruːfəs/
Traits associated with the name Rufus:
Dogs named Rufus tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and brave. This name is also associated with companionship, and friendship.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Rufus?
Naming your dog Rufus suggests that you have a sense of humor and enjoy classic names. It also suggests that you are a fan of tradition and appreciate the timelessness of certain names.
Is Rufus a good dog name?
Rufus has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. Rufus is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!
Popularity: Overall
Rufus is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Rufus outranks the great majority of names.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Rufus was, in the past month, the 310th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of July 2025, Rufus is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.
In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.
In the past week, Rufus was viewed 95 times, and liked 2 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Rufus's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Rufus is most adored in Minnesota, Indiana and Oklahoma.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Wyoming, Hawaii and New Hampshire.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Rufus.
Most popular breeds named Rufus:
- Labrador Retriever
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Chow Chow
Famous dogs named Rufus:
A st. bernard named Rufus played a role in the movie Fluke.- A wire fox terrier named Rufus played a role in the movie Open Season 2.
Rufus is found in these categories:
posh
Latin roots and royal associations elevate this canine moniker's status.
cute
Evokes a cuddly red panda from popular animated series.
old-fashioned
Popular in the 19th century, it's rarely heard in modern dog parks.
hipster
Evokes vintage charm, popular among indie music lovers and old-school enthusiasts.
funny
Evokes humor with its old-fashioned charm and Bill & Ted reference.
independent
The name's historical usage for prominent figures and its strong, bold sound convey independence.
playful
The name's association with fun, friendly characters in popular culture gives it a playful connotation.
biblical
Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in Mark 15:21 and Romans 16:13.
country
Rufus is often associated with rural areas and southern charm, making it popular among dog owners in these regions.
Dog names like Rufus:
February 26, 2024
July 21, 2023
August 20, 2022
Let us know what you think of Rufus as a dog name!