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Home › Baby Names Directory › Beowulf

Beowulf

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAY-oh-wulf /ˈbeɪ.oʊ.wʊlf/Medium

Meaning: Beowulf is the hero of the Old English epic poem of the same name. The name is often read as 'bee-wolf', a kenning (poetic riddle-name) for 'bear'. We note the literary and legendary weight.Low

In 30 seconds: An epic hero's name: Beowulf means 'bee-wolf' (a poetic word for 'bear') from the Old English epic (said 'BAY-oh-wulf'). Legendary and bold.
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Origin MediumOld English, English
MeaningBeowulf is the hero of the Old English epic poem of the same name. The name is often read as 'bee-wolf', a kenning (poetic riddle-name) for 'bear'. We note the literary and legendary weight.
U.S. rank (2024)#12537 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 77

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120102024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Beowulf is the warrior hero of the Old English epic poem Beowulf, one of the oldest surviving works in English. The name is commonly read as 'bee-wolf', a kenning for 'bear'. We note its literary and legendary weight. A bold, storied pick (said 'BAY-oh-wulf').

As a given name it appears only very rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, epic, and legendary.

Did you know? Beowulf is the hero of the great Old English epic — his name a kenning, or poetic riddle, often read as 'bee-wolf' for 'bear'. A legendary, heroic pick, which we note (said 'BAY-oh-wulf').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Beowulf — Old English epic hero; 'bee-wolf' kenning for 'bear'

Variations

Beowulph

Nicknames

BeoWulf

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Beowulf…

Wulfric— a like -wulf/-wulfric name
Beorn— a like Old Norse/English pick
Leif— a like Norse heroic name
Eowyn— a like Old English literary choice

Explore names like Beowulf

By themeliteraryold-englishlegendaryepic

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Beowulf mean?

Beowulf is the hero of the Old English epic, his name often read as 'bee-wolf', a kenning (poetic riddle-name) for 'bear'.

How do you pronounce Beowulf?

It's said BAY-oh-wulf /ˈbeɪ.oʊ.wʊlf/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Beowulf a boy or girl name?

Beowulf is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Beowulf?

Beowulf is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.

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