The spelling of the name "Ruffus" can often be confusing. The correct pronunciation is [ˈrʌfəs], with a short "u" sound and emphasis on the first syllable. The double "f" in the spelling represents the voiced "v" sound, and the final "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound. Although this name is not commonly used, it is important to spell it correctly to avoid mispronunciation and confusion. With the correct use of the IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "Ruffus" can be easily understood.
There is no widely recognized etymology for the name "Ruffus" as it is not a commonly used or well-documented word. It may be a variant spelling or modification of other names, such as Rufus, which has Latin origins. "Rufus" is derived from the Latin word "rufus" meaning "red-haired" or "red".