Rufus

Unisex

Meaning

Red

Origin

Latin

Pronunciation

/ˈruːfəs/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Rufus, a name with a rich Roman history, meaning "red-haired," is perfect for your fiery, ginger-furred canine companion. It's a name that's been sported by kings, saints, and even a time-traveling naked mole rat from Kim Possible. Rufus is a name that exudes a certain rugged charm and charisma, much like the legendary blues singer, Rufus Thomas. So, if you want your dog to have a name that's as unique and full of character as he is, Rufus is the way to go. Plus, it's just plain fun to say. Rufus, fetch!

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

85
PupNames logo
137
New York City Dog Name Database
261
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

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 65th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of December 2024, 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 211 times, and liked 5 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 Maryland, Michigan and Wyoming.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Rufus.

Most popular breeds named Rufus:

  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. Chihuahua
  3. German Shepherd
  4. Cocker Spaniel
  5. Chow Chow

Famous dogs named Rufus:

  • film icon A st. bernard named Rufus played a role in the movie Fluke.
  • film icon A wire fox terrier named Rufus played a role in the movie Open Season 2.

Rufus is found in these categories:

posh dog names
posh

Latin roots and royal associations elevate this canine moniker's status.

cute dog names
cute

Evokes a cuddly red panda from popular animated series.

old fashioned dog names
old-fashioned

Popular in the 19th century, it's rarely heard in modern dog parks.

hipster dog names
hipster

Evokes vintage charm, popular among indie music lovers and old-school enthusiasts.

funny dog names
funny

Evokes humor with its old-fashioned charm and Bill & Ted reference.

independent dog names
independent

The name's historical usage for prominent figures and its strong, bold sound convey independence.

playful dog names
playful

The name's association with fun, friendly characters in popular culture gives it a playful connotation.

biblical dog names
biblical

Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in Mark 15:21 and Romans 16:13.

country dog names
country

Rufus is often associated with rural areas and southern charm, making it popular among dog owners in these regions.

Dog names like Rufus:

Inspired by Rocky Balboa.
Gamekeeper; a rover or wanderer
Always slow-moving.
Of a well known father
Dawn
Wealth
Rufus dog name meaning

Comments icon Comments (3)

Commenter icon
🇺🇸
sardines (California, United States)
How many dogs are named Rufus in the U.S.A?
February 26, 2024

Commenter icon
🇿🇲
Candle man (Lusaka Province, Zambia)
Awesome
July 21, 2023

Commenter icon
🇺🇸
Samantha Stackhouse (Pennsylvania, United States)
Hey how I sent u a pic of him I want his pic on Instagram n on internet
August 20, 2022

Let us know what you think of Rufus as a dog name!