Rufus roman cognomen which meant "red-haired" in Latin. Several early saints had this name, including one mentioned in one of Paul's epistles in the New Testament. As a nickname it was used by William II Rufus, a king of England, because of his red hair. It came into general use in the English-speaking world after the Protestant Reformation.
Biblical namesake: Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament as the son of Simon of Cyrene and greeted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, remembered as an early Christian believer. (Mark · Mark 15:21, Romans 16:13)
Saintly namesake: Saint Rufus was an early Christian bishop of Metz and is remembered as one of several saints named Rufus. (November 7)
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