Rolf

Rolf: name meaning, origin and popularity

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɹɒlf/

Meaning and origin of Rolf

  • A male given name from the Germanic languages.

Etymology

From Old Norse Hrólfr, and from its Old French equivalent, cognates of Rudolph. Brought to England by the Normans, survived in surnames and was revived in the 19th century, partly due to its modern Scandinavian cognate.

How popular is Rolf?

5U.S. babies in 2025
#781peak rank (1960)
3,103babies since 1880

Since 1880, 3,103 boys in the U.S. have been named Rolf. Its highest rank for boys was #781 in 1960. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

1880192019602000202596 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Rolf

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More Germanic boy names

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Sibling name ideas for Rolf

Sister and brother names that share Rolf's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Rolf FAQ

What does the name Rolf mean?

A male given name from the Germanic languages. From Old Norse Hrólfr, and from its Old French equivalent, cognates of Rudolph. Brought to England by the Normans, survived in surnames and was revived in the 19th century, partly due to its modern Scandinavian cognate.

What is the origin of the name Rolf?

Rolf is listed as a name of Germanic origin.

How popular is the name Rolf?

Since 1880, 3,103 boys in the U.S. have been named Rolf. Its highest rank for boys was #781 in 1960. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Rolf a boy or girl name?

Rolf is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 3,103 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.