Rufus is a masculine given name, a surname, an Ancient Roman cognomen and a nickname (from

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...

'' rufus'', "red"). Notable people with the name include:

Given name

Politicians

Rufus Ada George Rufus Ada George (born 11 July 1940) was the second Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria, holding office from January 1992 until November 1993 during the Nigerian Third Republic. Background Ada George was born on 11 July 1940 at George-Ama, Okrik ...

(born 1940), Nigerian politician *

Rufus Aladesanmi III Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III CON (born 1945) is a Yoruba Oba and the current Ewi of Ado Ekiti. Reign Aladesanmi succeeded Adelabu I as the Ewi of Ado Ekiti in 1990. He serves as the chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University a ...

(born 1945), Yoruban king * Rufus Applegarth (1844–1921), American lawyer and politician *

Rufus A. Ayers Rufus Adolphus Ayers (May 20, 1849 – May 14, 1926) was a Virginia lawyer, businessman, and politician, who served as Attorney General of Virginia. Ayers was born in Bedford County, Virginia. His family set out for Texas, but passed through Goo ...

(1849–1926), American lawyer, businessman, and politician * Rufus Barringer (1821–1895), American lawyer, politician, and military general *

Rufus Blodgett Rufus Blodgett (October 9, 1834October 3, 1910) was a United States senator from New Jersey and Superintendent of the New York & Long Branch Railroad for 25 years. He served as the Mayor of Long Branch, New Jersey on five occasions. He was t ...

(1834–1910), American politician and railroad superintendent * Rufus Bousquet (born 1958), Saint Lucian politician *

Rufus E. Brown Rufus Everson Brown (December 3, 1854 – June 15, 1920) was a Vermont attorney, farmer and politician. He served as Vermont Attorney General from 1912 to 1915. Early life Rufus Everson Brown was born in Dickinson, New York on December 3, 1854 ...

(1854–1920), Vermont attorney, farmer, and politician *

Rufus Bullock Rufus Brown Bullock (March 28, 1834 – April 27, 1907) was a Republican Party politician and businessman in Georgia. During the Reconstruction Era he served as the state's governor and called for equal economic opportunity and political rights f ...

(1834–1907), American politician *

Rufus Carter Rufus Seaman Carter (March 31, 1866 – August 29, 1932) was a farmer and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada. He represented Cumberland County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1911 to 1920 as a Liberal member. He was born in ...

(1866–1932), Canadian farmer and political figure *

Rufus Cheney Jr. Rufus Cheney Jr. was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1850 session. He was a Whig Party (United States), Whig. References

Wisconsin Whigs 19th-century American politicians Year of birth missing Year of death missing {{ ...

, member of the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1850 session *

Rufus W. Cobb Rufus Willis Cobb (February 25, 1829 – November 26, 1913) was an American Democratic politician who was the 25th Governor of Alabama from 1878 to 1882. He is the only person to serve as both Governor of Alabama and Grand Master of the Grand Lo ...

(1829–1913), American politician *

Rufus Curry Rufus Curry (31 August 1859 – 18 August 1934) was a manufacturer and painter in Nova Scotia. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1903, but declined the appointment and never actually took his seat. Notwithstanding this, he is of ...

(1859–1934), Canadian manufacturer and politician *

Rufus Davis Rufus Davis (born March 6, 1964) is an American social and political activist, business executive and former Mayor of Camilla, Georgia. He was elected as the first African American male to hold the position in November 2015. Davis is a political p ...

(born 1964), mayor of Camilla, Georgia *

Rufus B. Dodge Jr. Rufus B. Dodge Jr. (November 24, 1861 – December 13, 1935) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts. Early life Dodge was born in Charlton, Massachusetts on November 24, 1861. Education Dodg ...

(1861–1935), American lawyer and politician *

Rufus A. Doughton Rufus A. Doughton (January 10, 1857 – August 17, 1946) was an American politician who served as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly from Alleghany County, North Carolina, and as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives ...

(1857–1946), American politician * Rufus Easton (1774–1834), American lawyer and politician *

Rufus L. Edmisten Rufus Lige Edmisten (born July 12, 1941) is an American attorney who served as North Carolina Secretary of State, Attorney General, and was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1984. He is currently a lawyer in private practice. Life and car ...

(born 1941), American politician and lawyer *

Rufus Elefante Rufus Pasquale "Rufie" Elefante (April 11, 1903 – November 15, 1994) was an American political boss from Utica, New York. He was in control of the Democratic political organisation managing Utica's inner workings. During his reign from the 19 ...

(1903–1994), American politician from Utica, New York *

Rufus Nelson England Rufus Nelson England (May 4, 1851 – November 28, 1911) was a merchant and political figure in Quebec. He represented Brome in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec from 1889 to 1897 as a Conservative. He was born in Knowlton, Canada East, t ...

(1851–1911), Canadian merchant and political figure *

Rufus S. Frost Rufus Smith Frost (July 18, 1826 – March 6, 1894) was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts. Born in Marlborough, New Hampshire to Joseph Frost and Lucy (Wheeler) Frost, the family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1833, where Frost atten ...

(1826–1894), American politician *

Rufus King Garland Jr. Rufus King Garland Jr. (May 22, 1830 – December 12, 1886) was a prominent Arkansas politician. He was born in Tipton County, Tennessee, the older brother of Augustus Hill Garland. He later moved to Arkansas and served in the state legislatu ...

(1830–1886), American politician *

Rufus K. Goodenow Rufus King Goodenow (April 24, 1790 – March 24, 1863) was a United States representative from Maine. Born in Henniker, New Hampshire, he moved with his parents to Brownfield, Maine in 1802. He received limited schooling, subsequently engage ...

(1790–1863), American politician *

Rufus Hardy (representative) Rufus Hardy (December 16, 1855 – March 13, 1943) was a United States representative of the Democratic Party from the state of Texas. Early years Hardy was born Monroe County, Mississippi to George Washington and Pauline J. (Whittaker) Hardy. ...

(1855–1943), American politician *

Rufus Erastus Hart Rufus Erastus Hart (September 10, 1812 – December 24, 1891) was an American politician and lawyer. Hart, the son of Joseph and Anna (Hotchkiss) Hart, was born in Middlebury, Ohio, on September 10, 1812. He graduated from Yale College in 1833 ...

(1812–1891), American politician and lawyer *

Rufus Henderson Rufus C. Henderson (1779 – April 5, 1847) was a physician, merchant and political figure in Upper Canada. He represented Grenville in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada from 1828 to 1830 as a Conservative. Henderson married Ann Jones ...

(1779–1847), Canadian physician, merchant and political figure *

Rufus Isaacs, 1st Marquess of Reading Rufus Daniel Isaacs, 1st Marquess of Reading, (10 October 1860 – 30 December 1935) was a British Liberal politician and judge, who served as Lord Chief Justice of England, Viceroy of India, and Foreign Secretary, the last Liberal to hold that ...

(1860–1935), English politician and jurist *

Rufus King Rufus King (March 24, 1755April 29, 1827) was an American Founding Father, lawyer, politician, and diplomat. He was a delegate for Massachusetts to the Continental Congress and the Philadelphia Convention and was one of the signers of the Unit ...

(1755–1827), pre-Civil War US politician *

Rufus H. King Rufus H. King (January 20, 1820 – September 13, 1890) was a U.S. Representative from New York. Biography Born in Rensselaerville, New York, King completed preparatory studies and was graduated from Wesleyan University. He studied law. He wa ...

(1820–1890), American politician *

Rufus E. Lester Rufus Ezekiel Lester (December 12, 1837 – June 16, 1906) was a U.S. Representative from Georgia. Born near Waynesboro, Georgia, Lester graduated from Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, in 1857. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in Sa ...

(1837–1906), American politician *

Rufus Anderson Lyman Rufus Anderson Lyman (June 23, 1842 – July 4, 1910) was a son of a missionary who became a lawyer and politician in the Kingdom of Hawaii, founded the Paauhau Sugar Plantation Company, and had many notable descendants. Life He was born on Ju ...

(1842–1910), lawyer and politician in the Kingdom of Hawaii * Rufus Mallory (1831–1914), American educator, lawyer, and politician *

Rufus P. Manson Rufus P. Manson was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Biography Manson was born on February 15, 1830, in Eaton, New Hampshire. In 1854, he married Catherine Nicolls. They would have twelve children. Manson died on February 19, 1897. Ca ...

(1830–1897), American politician *

Rufus McIntire Rufus McIntire (December 19, 1784 – April 28, 1866) was a United States lawyer, captain of U.S. Army artillery in the War of 1812, congressmanU.S. Marshal land agent and hostage/prisoner in the Aroostook War. Biography Early life Rufus ...

(1784–1866), American lawyer, military officer, congressman, and land surveyor * Rufus Wheeler Peckham (1809–1873), American judge and congressman * Rufus W. Peckham (1838–1909), American jurist *

Rufus Ferrand Pelletier Rufus Ferrand Pelletier (29 March 1824, in Carteret County, North Carolina – ?), was an early resident and principal founder of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Rufus was a grandson of the powerful Carteret County landowner and Revolutionary War ...

(1824–?), American postmaster and politician *

Rufus Phillips Rufus Colfax Phillips III (born August 10, 1929—died December 29, 2021) was an American writer, businessman, politician, and Central Intelligence Agency employee. Life Phillips was born in Middletown, Ohio and was raised in rural Charlotte Coun ...

(born 1929), American intelligence officer * Rufus Henry Pope (1857–1944), Canadian politician * Rufus King Polk (1866–1902), American politician * Rufus Pollock (born 1980), English economist *

Rufus P. Ranney Rufus Putnam Ranney (October 30, 1813 – December 6, 1891) was a Democratic politician in the U.S. State of Ohio who helped write the second Ohio Constitution, and was a judge on the Ohio Supreme Court in 1851–1856 and 1863–1865. Early lif ...

(1813–1891), American politician *

Rufus Rodriguez Rufus Bautista Rodriguez (born September 13, 1953) is a Filipino lawyer and politician. He is the president of the Centrist Democratic Party and has been a member of the House of Representatives representing the Cagayan de Oro's 2nd district fr ...

(born 1953), Filipino politician *

Rufus Smith Rufus Smith ( MD) (November 19, 1766 – November 15, 1844) was a physician and politician in the British colonial Province of New Brunswick, Canada. Born in Stamford in the Colony of Connecticut, after the American Revolutionary War his Loy ...

(1766–1844), Canadian physician and politician *

Rufus P. Spalding Rufus Paine Spalding (May 3, 1798 – August 29, 1886) was a nineteenth-century politician, lawyer and judge from Ohio. From 1863 to 1869, he served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as a justice of the Ohio Su ...

(1798–1886), American politician, lawyer and judge

Religious figures

* Rufus (biblical figure), a first-century Christian mentioned in Mark 15:21 *

Rufus Anderson Rufus Anderson (August 17, 1796 – May 23, 1880) was an American minister who spent several decades organizing overseas missions. Personal life Rufus Anderson was born in North Yarmouth, Maine, on August 17, 1796. His father, also named Rufus ...

(1796–1880), American minister * Rufus Babcock (1798–1895), American clergyman and academic *

Rufus Brome Rufus is a masculine given name, a surname, an Ancient Roman cognomen and a nickname (from Latin ''rufus'', "red"). Notable people with the name include: Given name Politicians * Rufus Ada George (born 1940), Nigerian politician * Rufus Al ...

(born 1935), Bishop of Barbados *

Rufus Hollis Gause Rufus Hollis Gause, Jr. (July 1, 1925 – September 6, 2015), known as R. Hollis Gause, was an American Pentecostal theologian and pastor. He was affiliated with the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). Gause was the first dean of the Pentecos ...

(1925–2015), American theologian * Rufus Halley (c. 1944–2001), Roman Catholic missionary in the Philippines * Rufus K. Hardy (1878–1945), leader and missionary in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints * Rufus Phineas Stebbins (1810–1885), American clergyman

Sportsmen

Rufus Alexander Rufus Alexander (born April 12, 1983 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft and later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit L ...

(born 1983), American football player * Rufus Bess (born 1956), American football player * Rufus Brevett (born 1969), English football player *

Rufus Brown Rufus Brown (born July 18, 1980) is a professional American football wide receiver/ defensive back for the Arizona Rattlers Rufus Crawford Rufus Crawford is an American actor and retired football player who was a running back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 1979 through 1985. He broke the Canadian Football League yardage record which had stood for 28 years. He started his career in ...

(born 1955), Canadian Football League player *

Rufus Deal Rufus Copeland Deal (December 7, 1917 – March 14, 2005) was an American football running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the former Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). He played college football at Auburn Univ ...

(1917–2005), American football player *

Rufus French Rufus French (born March 15, 1978) is a former American football tight end who played college football at the University of Mississippi and attended Amory High School in Amory, Mississippi. He was a consensus All-American in 1998. He was also a ...

(born 1978), American football player *

Rufus Gilbert Rufus W. Gilbert (December 8, 1884 – 1962) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Kalamazoo College (1905, 1907–1908), Bradley Polytechnic Institute—now known as Bradl ...

(1885–1962), American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach * Rufus Granderson (1936–2015), American football player * Rufus Guthrie (1942–2000), American football player *

Rufus Mayes Rufus Lee Mayes (December 5, 1947 – January 9, 1990) was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Early life Mayes grew up in Toledo, ...

(1947–1990), American football player *

Rufus Meadows Rufus Rivers Meadows (born August 25, 1907, in Chase City, Virginia) was a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds in 1926. He appeared in just one game, an 18-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Meadows faced the Cubs' final ...

(1907–1970), American baseball player *

Rufus B. Nalley Rufus Benajamin "Cow" Nalley (December 27, 1870 – November 28, 1902) was a three sport participant at the University of Georgia, playing football and baseball and participating in track and field. He was described as being of average height and ...

(1870–1902), football, baseball, and track and field player *

Rufus Porter (American football) Rufus Porter (born May 18, 1965) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football for ...

(born 1965), American football player * Rufus Sisson (1890–1977), American basketball player *

Rufus Skillern Rufus Skillern (born May 12, 1982) is a former professional Canadian football wide receiver. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football for the San Jose State Spartans. Skillern has also ...

(born 1982), Canadian football player * Rufus Smith (baseball) (1905–1984), American baseball player

Performers

* Rufus Beck (born 1957), German theater, film, and voice actor *

Rufus Cappadocia Rufus Cappadocia is a Canadian-American cellist best known for his cross-cultural recordings and performances. He has released albums in collaboration with guitarist David Fiuczynski, singer Bethany Yarrow, Stellamara with Sonja Drakulich, multi- ...

, Canadian-American cellist * Rufus Carl Gordon, Jr. (1932-2010), commonly known as Carl Gordon, American actor *

Rufus Harley Rufus is a masculine given name, a surname, an Ancient Roman cognomen and a nickname (from Latin ''rufus'', "red"). Notable people with the name include: Given name Politicians * Rufus Ada George (born 1940), Nigerian politician * Rufus A ...

(1936–2006), American jazz musician * Rufus Hound (born 1979), British comedian * Rufus Arthur Johnson (born 1976), better known as

Bizarre Bizarre may refer to: *Bizarre (rapper) (born 1976), an American rapper and member of hip hop group D12 * Bizarre (band), a Spanish rock band * ''Bizarre'' (TV series), a Canadian sketch comedy television series * ''Bizarre'' (magazine), a siste ...

, American rapper *

Rufus Jones (actor) Rufus Jones (born 17 May 1975) is an English actor. Early life Jones was born in London, and educated at Latymer Upper School and the University of Cambridge, where he studied English. Career Jones began his career as one fifth of the comedy gr ...

(born 1975), English actor, comedian and writer *

Rufus "Speedy" Jones Rufus "Speedy" Jones (May 27, 1936 – April 25, 1990) was an American jazz drummer from Charleston, South Carolina. Starting out on trumpet, Jones switched to drums at the age of 13. He worked with Lionel Hampton in 1954 before being drafted. ...

(1936–1990), American jazz drummer *

Rufus Payne Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne (February 4, 1883 – March 17, 1939) was an early-20th-century African-American blues musician from Greenville, Alabama, who was more widely known by his nickname Tee Tot. Payne's nickname of "Tee Tot" is an ironic pun f ...

(1883–1939), American blues musician known as Tee Tot *

Rufus Reid Rufus Reid (born February 10, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American jazz bassist, educator, and composer. Biography Reid was raised in Sacramento, California, where he played the trumpet through junior high and high school. Upon graduation ...

(born 1944), American jazz bassist, educator, and composer * Rufus Sewell (born 1967), British actor *

Rufus C. Somerby Rufus C. Somerby (1832–1903) was an American entertainer, showman, and panoramist in the mid-nineteenth century, and one of a very few men of his profession to leave behind any memoirs or account of his activities. He is chiefly known through ...

(1832–1903), American entertainer, showman, and panoramist * Rufus Tiger Taylor (born 1991), English musician *

Rufus Thibodeaux Rufus Thibodeaux (January 5, 1934, Ridge, Louisiana – August 12, 2005, Nashville, Tennessee) was an American Cajun music fiddler. Thibodeaux played guitar from age six and fiddle from age twelve. He played in local dance halls at 13, and joined ...

(1934–2005), American Cajun fiddler *

Rufus Thomas Rufus C. Thomas, Jr. (March 26, 1917 – December 15, 2001) was an American rhythm-and-blues, funk, soul and blues singer, songwriter, dancer, DJ and comic entertainer from Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded for several labels, including Chess Rec ...

(1917–2001), American singer *

Rufus P. Turner Rufus Paul Turner (December 25, 1907 – March 25, 1982) was an academic, engineer, and author who published on semiconductor devices, technical writing style, and poet-novelist Charlotte Smith. After three decades working with electronic devic ...

(1907–1982), American electronics author * Rufus Wainwright (born 1973), Canadian-American singer-songwriter * Rufus Waller, better known as Scola, a member of

Dru Hill Dru Hill is an American R&B group, whose repertoire included soul, hip hop soul and gospel music. The group was founded in Baltimore in 1992 and is still active. Dru Hill recorded seven Top 40 hits, and is best known for the R&B number-one hits ...

, American singer and musician

Others

Rufus Travis Amis Rufus Amis (February 13, 1912 – January 12, 2007) was an American entrepreneur who served as co-founder and CEO of Aero Design and Engineering Company. The company built one of the first twin engine planes for private use in the US, the Aero Co ...

(1912–2007), American entrepreneur * Rufus William Bailey (1793–1863), American academic *

Rufus Black Rufus Edward Ries Black (born 20 May 1969) is the vice-chancellor of the University of Tasmania. Early life and education Black was educated at Wesley College and the University of Melbourne, where he resided at Ormond College and graduated wit ...

(born 1969), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania *

Rufus Bowen Robert Edward "Rufus" Bowen (23 February 1947 – 30 July 1978) was an internationally known professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, who specialized in dynamical systems theory. Bowen's work dealt pr ...

(1947–1978), American professor of mathematics *

Rufus S. Bratton Colonel Rufus Sumter Bratton (September 5, 1892 – March 19, 1958) was Chief of the Far Eastern Section of the Intelligence Branch of the Military Intelligence Division (G-2) in the War Department in December 1941, when the United States ent ...

(1892–1958), American intelligence officer *

Rufus Columbus Burleson Rufus Columbus Burleson (August 7, 1823 – May 14, 1901) was the president of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, from 1851 to 1861 and again from 1886 to 1897. Biography Burleson was born near Decatur in northern Alabama. In 1840, he moved to Na ...

(1823–1901), American academic *

Rufus T. Bush Rufus Ter Bush (February 22, 1840 – September 15, 1890) was an American businessman, industrialist, and yachtsman. His notable testimony against Standard Oil's monopolistic practices through railroad rebates left a lasting impression, while th ...

(1840–1890), American businessman, oil refining industrialist, and yachtsman *

Rufus Choate Rufus Choate (October 1, 1799July 13, 1859) was an American lawyer, orator, and Senator who represented Massachusetts as a member of the Whig Party. He is regarded as one of the greatest American lawyers of the 19th century, arguing over a th ...

(1799–1859), American lawyer and orator * Rufus Early Clement (1900–1967), American academic *

Rufus Cole Rufus is a masculine given name, a surname, an Ancient Roman cognomen and a nickname (from Latin ''rufus'', "red"). Notable people with the name include: Given name Politicians * Rufus Ada George (born 1940), Nigerian politician * Rufus Al ...

(1872–1966), American medical doctor * Rufus Cowles Crampton (1828–1888), American educator *

Rufus Dawes Rufus R. Dawes (July 4, 1838August 1, 1899) was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He used the middle initial "R" but had no middle name. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly duri ...

(1838–1899), American military officer *

Rufus C. Dawes Rufus Cutler Dawes (July 30, 1867 – January 8, 1940) was an American businessman in oil and banking from a prominent Ohio family. He and his three brothers all became nationally known. In the 1920s he served as an expert on the commissions ...

(1867–1940), American businessman * Rufus Dayglo, English comics artist * Rufus of Ephesus, 1st-century Greco-Roman physician and anatomist *

Rufus Estes Rufus Estes (b. 1857 - d.1939) was a former slave who worked as a chef aboard luxury railway cars operated by the Pullman Company in the 19th century. Biography Rufus Estes was born in Maury County, Tennessee, one of nine children. Two of his br ...

(b. 1857 - d.1939), an American chef aboard luxury railway Pullman Company * J. Rufus Fears (1945–2012), American historian, scholar, teacher and author *

Rufus Fitzgerald Rufus Henry Fitzgerald (November 20, 1890 – April 11, 1966) was the eleventh Chancellor (1945–1955) of the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 1919. He became a member of the Sigma Chi ...

(1890–1966), American academic at the University of Pittsburgh *

Rufus Flint Rufus Flint (born ) was a professor of English and mathematics at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, conducting early Central American biodiversity studies while enrolled at Cornell University. He took his degree in mechanical engineer ...

(c. 1865 – c. 1895), American Nicaraguan professor of English and mathematics *

Rufus Edward Foster Rufus Edward Foster (May 22, 1871 – August 23, 1942) was a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and previously was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the East ...

(1871–1942), American jurist *

Rufus Franklin Rufus William Franklin (1916-1975) was an American criminal who served a life sentence in Alcatraz. He is best known for taking part in the third documented attempted escape from Alcatraz Prison with Thomas R. Limerick and James C. Lucas on th ...

(1916–1975), American criminal * Rufus Henry Gilbert (1832–1885), American surgeon and inventor *

Rufus Wilmot Griswold Rufus Wilmot Griswold (February 13, 1815 – August 27, 1857) was an American anthologist, editor, poet, and critic. Born in Vermont, Griswold left home when he was 15 years old. He worked as a journalist, editor, and critic in Philadelphia, New Y ...

(1815–1857), American anthologist, editor, poet, and critic *

Rufus Hannah Rufus Hannah (November 27, 1954 – October 4, 2017), also known as Roofus the Stunt Bum, was an American advocate for homeless rights who became known for his role in the early ''Bumfights'' videos: in 2000, while himself a homeless alcoholic, h ...

(1954–2017), aka "Rufus the Stunt Bum", of ''Bumfights'' fame * Rufus Carrollton Harris (1897–1988), American academic * Rufus D. Hayes (1913–2002), American attorney, judge, and businessman *

Rufus G. Herring Rufus Geddie Herring (June 11, 1921 – January 31, 1996) was a United States Naval Reserve officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II. Biography Rufus Herring attend ...

(1921–1996), American military officer and Medal of Honor winner *

Rufus Hessberg Dr. Rufus Hessberg was an Army Medical Corps doctor during World War II and later was a pioneer aeromedical scientist. He served as an early instructor at the Air Rescue Specialists Course at Gunter AFB, Alabama in 1949, teaching some of the Air ...

, American doctor and aeromedical scientist *

Rufus C. Holman Rufus Cecil Holman (October 14, 1877November 27, 1959) was an American politician and businessman who served as a United States senator for a single term during World War II. He was an officer in the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s, then served ...

(1877–1959), American politician and businessman *

Rufus K. Howell Rufus King Howell (1820 – October 4, 1890) was a justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from April 3, 1865, to January 9, 1877.''Celebration of the Centenary of the Supreme Court of Louisiana'' (March 1, 1913), in John Wymond, Henry Plauché Dar ...

(1820–1890), Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court *

Rufus Hussey Rufus Taft Hussey (March 12, 1919 – February 24, 1994) was an American marksman. He grew up in Randolph County, North Carolina. He was known as an expert marksman with a slingshot (also referred to as a beanshooter). In 1952, Hussey began selling ...

(1919–1994), American slingshot marksman * Rufus Ingalls (1818–1893), American military general * Rufus Henry Ingram (1834–?), American bushwhacker *

Rufus Isaacs (game theorist) Rufus Philip Isaacs (June 11, 1914 – January 18, 1981) was a game theorist especially prominent in the 1950s and 1960s with his work on differential games. Biography Isaacs was born on 11 June 1914 in New York City. He worked for the RAND Co ...

(1914–1981), American mathematician * Rufus Zenas Johnston (1874–1959), American military officer and Medal of Honor winner *

Rufus Jones (writer) Rufus Matthew Jones (January 25, 1863 – June 16, 1948) was an American religious leader, writer, magazine editor, philosopher, and college professor. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Haverford Emergency Unit (a precursor to ...

(1863–1948), American writer, philosopher and Quaker *

Rufus R. Jones Carey L. Lloyd (July 4, 1933 – November 13, 1993), also known by his ring name Rufus R. "Freight Train" Jones, was an American professional wrestler who competed in the Central States, St.Louis and Mid-Atlantic regional promotions of the Nationa ...

(1933–1993), American wrestler *

Rufus Keppel, 10th Earl of Albemarle Rufus Arnold Alexis Keppel, 10th Earl of Albemarle (born 16 July 1965), known as Viscount Bury from 1968 to 1979, is a British designer. Early life and education Albemarle is the son of Derek Keppel, Viscount Bury (1911–1968), and his second w ...

(born 1965), product designer and founder of a men's-shirt company * Rufus King (general) (1814–1876), American newspaper editor, educator, diplomat, and military general *

Rufus King (writer) Rufus Frederick King (January 3, 1893, New York City – February 13, 1966, Hollywood, Florida) was an American author of whodunit crime novels. He created four series of detective stories: the first one with Reginald De Puyster, a sophisticat ...

(1893–1966), American author of crime novels *

Rufus King Jr. Rufus King Jr. (March 21, 1838 – March 18, 1900) was an artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and a Medal of Honor recipient. Family Born in New York City, Rufus King Jr. was the son of Rufus King, a graduate of ...

(1838–1900), American military officer * Rufus B. von KleinSmid (1875–1964), American academic *

Rufus Osgood Mason Rufus Osgood Mason (January 22, 1830, in Sullivan, New Hampshire – May 11, 1903, in New York City) was a physician, surgeon, and teacher and an early researcher in parapsychology and hypnotherapy.Carlos S. Alvarado, "Rufus Osgood Mason (1830– ...

(1830–1903), American physician, teacher, and researcher in parapsychology and hypnotherapy *

Rufus May Rufus May (born 1968) is a British clinical psychologist best known for using his own experiences of being a psychiatric patient to promote alternative recovery approaches for those experiencing psychotic symptoms. After formally qualifying a ...

(born 1968?), British clinical psychologist * Rufus McCain (1903–1940), American prisoner at Alcatraz *

Rufus Naylor Rupert Theodore "Rufus" Naylor (14 August 1882 – 25 September 1939) was an Australian sporting entrepreneur and gambler. Naylor was born at Chippendale in Sydney to labourer Henry John Naylor and Susannah, ''née'' Phillips. He was educated ...

(1882–1939), Australian sporting entrepreneur and gambler * Rufus Norris (born 1965), British theatre director * Rufus Palmer (1828–1873), Canadian physician and political figure *

Rufus Porter (painter) Rufus Porter (May 1, 1792 – August 13, 1884) was an American painter, inventor, and founder of ''Scientific American'' magazine. Famous family Rufus Porter descended from an old colonial New England family. The family's first immigrants ...

(1792–1884), American painter, inventor, and founder of ''Scientific American'' magazine * Rufus Putnam (1738–1824), American military officer *

Rufus N. Rhodes Rufus Napoleon Rhodes (June 5, 1856, Pascagoula, Mississippi – January 12, 1910, Birmingham, Alabama) was the founder and managing editor of the '' Birmingham News'' from 1888 until his death. He served as a director and 2nd Vice-President of ...

(1856–1910), American newspaper editor *

Rufus G. Russell Rufus G. Russell (1823-1896) was an architect working from New Haven, Connecticut. Life and career Rufus Gustavus Russell was born September 5, 1823 in what is now Prospect, Connecticut.George Dudley Seymour, ''New Haven'' (New Haven: George Du ...

(1823–1896), American architect * Rufus Sage (1817–1893), American writer, journalist and mountain man *

Rufus Saxton Rufus Saxton (October 19, 1824 – February 23, 1908) was a Union Army brigadier general during the American Civil War who received America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions defending Harpers Ferry during Confed ...

(1824–1908), American military general *

Rufus Stephenson Rufus Stephenson (January 14, 1835 – February 15, 1901) was an Ontario newspaper editor and political figure. He represented Kent in the House of Commons of Canada as a Conservative member from 1867 to 1882. He was born in Springfield, ...

(1835–1901), Canadian newspaper editor and political figure *

Rufus Stokes Rufus Stokes (September 3, 1924 – June 22, 1986), an African American inventor, was born in Phenix City, Alabama. Early life Rufus Stokes grew up in the rural American South and attended public school in Alabama until he was 18 years old. On ...

(1922–1986), American inventor * Rufus B. Tebbetts (1828–?), American settler *

Rufus of Thebes Rufus of Thebes (also ''Roufos'') ( el, Ῥοῦφος) is numbered among the Seventy Disciples in Eastern Orthodox tradition. He was bishop of Thebes in Greece, and according to some traditions is referenced in Romans 16:13. His feast day is Apr ...

, bishop of Thebes in Greece, referenced in Romans 16:13 *

Rufus Welch "General" Rufus Welch (Sep. 1, 1800-December 5, 1856) was a leading circus impresario in the early-19th century. Life and career Welch was born in New Berlin, New York, New Berlin, Chenango County, New York. He initially was a chairmaker. In 182 ...

(1800–1856), American circus impresario *

Rufus Corbin Wood Rufus Corbin Wood (May 30, 1818 – July 29, 1885) was sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts from 1878 to 1885. Early life Wood was born in Palmer, Massachusetts on May 30, 1818. Death and burial Wood died on July 29, 1885. He was buried at ...

(1818–1885), sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts *

Rufus Yerxa Rufus Hawkins Yerxa (born May 6, 1951) is an American lawyer and former U.S. government and international official. He is currently a Senior Advisor with the global consulting firm McClarty Associates. He served as Deputy United States Trade Repr ...

(born 1951), American Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization *

Rufus Fairchild Zogbaum Rufus Fairchild Zogbaum (August 28, 1849 — October 22, 1925) was an American illustrator, journalist, and writer. He is primarily known as an illustrator for late 19th century news magazines. His works were regularly featured in ''Harper’s ...

(1849–1925), American illustrator, journalist and author

Surname

Alexis Rufus Alexis Rufus (born 28 April 1979) is an English Muay Thai kickboxer who competes in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Having turned professional in 2005, Rufus is a two-time European and five-time world champion. Early life Alexi ...

(born 1979), English Muay Thai kickboxer *

Anneli Rufus Anneli Rufus is an American journalist and author. Born in Los Angeles, California, and brought up in a Jewish household, she first went to college in Santa Barbara, then to the University of California, Berkeley. Rufus earned an English degree a ...

, American journalist *

Geoffrey Rufus Geoffrey Rufus, also called Galfrid RufusEneas Mackenzie, Marvin Ross, An Historical, Topographical, and Descriptive View of the County Palatine of Durham', 1834 (died 1141) was a medieval Bishop of Durham and Lord Chancellor of England. Life ...

(died 1141), English Bishop and Lord Chancellor *

Milan Rúfus Milan Rúfus (December 10, 1928 – January 11, 2009) was a Slovak poet, essayist, translator, children's writer and academic. Rúfus is the most translated Slovak poet into other languages. Life Milan Rúfus was born to a family of brickla ...

(1928–2009), Slovak poet and writer *

Richard Rufus Richard Raymond Rufus (born 12 January 1975) is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre back, spending his entire career with one club, Charlton Athletic. He was also capped six times by England U21. Rufus was part of ...

(born 1975), English football player

Cognomen or nickname

* Rufus (born 1942), stage name of Italian-French actor Jacques Narcy *

Rufus (Roman cognomen) Rufus () is one of the most common of the ancient Roman ''cognomina''. D.R. Shackleton Bailey, ''Cicero: Epistulae ad Familiares'' (Cambridge University Press, 1977), vol. 2, p. 500. List of Rufi * Quintus Marcius Rufus, an officer of Marcus L ...

, list of people who had one of the most common of the ancient Roman ''cognomina'' * King

William II of England William II ( xno, Williame; – 2 August 1100) was King of England from 26 September 1087 until his death in 1100, with powers over Normandy and influence in Scotland. He was less successful in extending control into Wales. The third so ...

(1050s–1100), called "William Rufus" *

Alan Rufus Alan Rufus, alternatively Alanus Rufus (Latin), Alan ar Rouz (Breton), Alain le Roux ( French) or Alan the Red (c. 1040 – 1093), 1st Lord of Richmond, was a Breton nobleman, kinsman and companion of William the Conqueror (Duke William II of No ...

(c. 1040–1089), companion of William the Conqueror *

Richard Rufus of Cornwall Richard Rufus ( la, Ricardus Rufus, "Richard the Red"; ) was a Cornish Franciscan scholastic philosopher and theologian. Life Richard Rufus who studied at Paris and at Oxford starting from the 1220s. He became a Franciscan around 1230. Rufus w ...

(died 1260), English scholastic philosopher and theologian * Roger Squires, crossword compiler nicknamed Rufus

Animals

* Rufus the Hawk, a bird used to keep pigeons away from the tennis grass courts at Wimbledon

Fictional characters

* Rufus (''Street Fighter''), one of four new fighters in ''Street Fighter IV'' *

Rufus the Bobcat Rufus the Bobcat is the mascot for the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio University revealed the new mascot during a ceremony before the Bobcats' victory over Tennessee-Martin on . At the suggestion of a university alumnus, Michael Massa, Class Of 1982, a univers ...

, the mascot for Ohio University * Rufus, a naked mole rat from Disney's TV show ''Kim Possible''; see List of ''Kim Possible'' characters *Rufus Carlin, a main character in the 2016 NBC show ''Timeless'' * Rufus Moffat, title character of the book ''

Rufus M. ''Rufus M.'' by Eleanor Estes is the third novel in the children's series known as The Moffats. Published in 1943, it was a Newbery Honor book. The title character is the youngest of four children growing up in a small town in Connecticut in 1918 ...

'' by Eleanor Estes * Rufus Ruffcut, from Hanna-Barbera's TV show ''

Wacky Races Eccentricity (also called quirkiness) is an unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is contrasted with norm ...

'' * Rufus Scrimgeour, from the Harry Potter universe; see

Ministry of Magic The Ministry of Magic is the government of the Magical community of Britain in J. K. Rowling's Wizarding World, headed by an official entitled the Minister for Magic. The magical government in Britain is first mentioned in ''Harry Potter and t ...

* Rufus Shinra, from the Final Fantasy VII video games; see Characters of the ''Final Fantasy VII'' series * Rufus Turner, from the American television drama ''Supernatural''; see List of ''Supernatural'' characters * Rufus XIV, King of Rubovia, in the 1955 British children's television series ''

A Rubovian Legend ''A Rubovian Legend'' is a British children's television series created by Gordon Murray. It centers around a fictional kingdom ruled by King Rufus XIV and Queen Caroline, assisted by Albert Weatherspoon and the Lord Chamberlain. Premise The sho ...

'' * Rufus, from the film '' The Rescuers'' * Rufus, the forgotten 13th apostle in the film ''

Dogma Dogma is a belief or set of beliefs that is accepted by the members of a group without being questioned or doubted. It may be in the form of an official system of principles or doctrines of a religion, such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Islam ...

'', played by Chris Rock * Rufus, polar bear character from the animated series ''SantApprentice''; see List of ''Santa's Apprentice'' characters * Rufus, protagonist of the children's cartoon series ''

The Dreamstone ''The Dreamstone'' is a British animated television series that ran for four series, with 13 episodes per series between 1990 and 1995. The original concept and artwork were created by Michael Jupp, and the series was written by Sue Radley ...

'' * Rufus, time traveler in the films ''

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure ''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'' is a 1989 American science fiction film, science fiction comedy film directed by Stephen Herek and written by Chris Matheson (screenwriter), Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. The first installment of the Bill & T ...

'' and ''Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey'', played by George Carlin **Rufus, time traveler in the television ''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures'' (1992 TV series), an adaptation of the above film, played by Rick Overton * Rufus Humphrey, a character in '' Gossip Girl'' * Rufus, a character in the movie Kill Bill: Volume 2, played by Samuel L. Jackson * Rufus T. Firefly, a character in the 1933 film ''Duck Soup'', played by Groucho Marx