Holding steady.
Popularity of Adolf since 1880
Babies named Adolf per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Adolf's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 30 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 63 |
| 1910s | 358 |
| 1920s | 393 |
| 1930s | 208 |
| 1940s | 75 |
| 1950s | 82 |
| 1960s | 87 |
| 1970s | 43 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Adolf is a name that carries a heavy historical weight. Derived from Old High German elements meaning 'noble wolf', it was a common name among European royalty and commoners alike, peaking in popularity in 1891. However, its association with Adolf Hitler led to a dramatic drop in usage after World War II, and it has since become one of the most stigmatized names in the Western world. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name Adolf has not appeared in the rankings for decades, with a trajectory classified as stable at virtually zero usage. The name's peak year in the United States was 1891, reflecting its earlier traditional standing.
Adolf is derived from the Old High German elements 'adal' (noble) and 'wolf' (wolf). It was a common name among European royalty, notably Adolf of Germany and Adolf of Sweden. The name fell out of widespread use after World War II due to its association with Adolf Hitler.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Adi, Dolf, Addie
Sibling names for Adolf
Names that share Adolf's style, for a brother or sister.
