Rufus vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Rufus

Boy #4,188 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"red-haired, auburn-haired"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English American Ancient Roman European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,188
Total SSA Count
26
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Rufe, Rue

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rufus →

Popularity Comparison

Rufus Rank #4,188
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #4188 for Rufus.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Rufus ___

  • Rufus James
  • Rufus Henry
  • Rufus George
  • Rufus Arthur
  • Rufus Thomas
  • Rufus William

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Rufus

Archie Clementine Bertie Eugenie Wilfred

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rufus or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Rufus at #4188 in the United States.

What do Rufus and Theodore mean?

Rufus means "red-haired, auburn-haired" (Latin origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Rufus and Theodore boy or girl names?

Rufus is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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