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Home › Baby Names Directory › Rudolf

Rudolf

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROO-dolf /ˈruː.dɒlf/High

Meaning: From the Germanic Hrodulf, hrod ('fame') + wulf ('wolf') - 'famous wolf.' A strong classic across the German-speaking world.Medium

In 30 seconds: A strong Germanic classic: Rudolf means 'famous wolf' (said 'ROO-dolf'). Sturdy and timeless.
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Origin MediumGermanic
MeaningFrom the Germanic Hrodulf, hrod ('fame') + wulf ('wolf') - 'famous wolf.' A strong classic across the German-speaking world.
U.S. rank (2024)#12029 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1927
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,951

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192718822024

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

Rudolf is from the Germanic Hrodulf, hrod ('fame') + wulf ('wolf'), 'famous wolf.' A sturdy classic, borne by Holy Roman emperors, rare in the U.S. today (said 'ROO-dolf').

In the U.S. it appears rarely now, more common in earlier generations and Europe. Rare, sturdy, and classic.

Did you know? Rudolf comes from the Germanic Hrodulf - 'fame' plus 'wolf,' 'famous wolf' - a strong classic across German-speaking lands, borne by emperors and, in a lighter key, a certain red-nosed reindeer (said 'ROO-dolf').
Overall data confidence 55%
References - Rudolf — Germanic Hrodulf; 'famous wolf'

Variations

RudolphRodolfoRudi

Nicknames

RudiDolf

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rudolf…

Rudolph— the -ph spelling
Rodolfo— the Italian/Spanish form
Rolf— a like 'famous wolf' name
Ronnie— another classic pick
Rodrick— the same classic feel

Explore names like Rudolf

By themeclassicgermanicsturdywolf

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rudolf mean?

Rudolf is Germanic, from Hrodulf - 'fame' plus 'wolf' - 'famous wolf.'

How do you pronounce Rudolf?

It's said ROO-dolf /ˈruː.dɒlf/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rudolf a boy or girl name?

Rudolf is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rudolf?

Rudolf is a rare name in the U.S.

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