Rufus

Rufus comes from the Latin rufus, meaning "red-haired" or "reddish," used in Roman times as a cognomen for people with notably red or auburn hair. It appears in the New Testament and was borne by several early Christian figures. As a name, Rufus carries a warm, slightly eccentric quality that has made it beloved by owners who appreciate character over convention.

Rufus ranks #196 among America's most popular pet names, and it has the kind of cheerful, slightly old-fashioned personality that makes it irresistible. Rufus feels like the name of a companion with an enormous amount of heart and just a little bit of chaos — the one who greets every person they meet as a potential best friend and has never once in their life met a food they did not want to investigate. The reddish-tone meaning makes it particularly fitting for companions with warm-colored coats.