Rolf
Male nameGermanic
✨ Meaning
Rolf is a contracted form of the Germanic Hrodulf, built from 'hrod,' meaning fame, and 'wulf,' meaning wolf, giving 'famous wolf.' The same compound produced Rudolf in German and Ralph in English, so three quite different-sounding names share one origin. The contraction to a single syllable is characteristic of Norse and Low German, which favoured short forms.
🌍 Origin
The Norse leader known as Rollo, who became the first ruler of Normandy in the tenth century, bore a form of this name, which makes Rolf an ancestor of a great deal of later European history. It remains in use in Germany, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands and is rare in English-speaking countries.
⭐ Famous People Named Rolf
- Rolf Zinkernagel
- Rolf Lassgård
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rolf mean?
Rolf means 'famous wolf,' from the Germanic 'hrod' (fame) and 'wulf' (wolf).
Is Rolf related to Ralph?
Yes. Rolf, Rudolf and Ralph all descend from the same Germanic compound, developed differently in each language.
Where is Rolf used?
Chiefly in Germany, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is rare in English-speaking countries.