Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Rolf since 1912
Babies named Rolf per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rolf's real moment was 1934.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 176 |
| 1920s | 297 |
| 1930s | 419 |
| 1940s | 434 |
| 1950s | 663 |
| 1960s | 662 |
| 1970s | 234 |
| 1980s | 89 |
| 1990s | 75 |
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Rolf is a name of Old Norse origin that has maintained a steady but low profile in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1912 and reached its peak popularity in 1934. As of 2025, it ranks #12,008, given to roughly 1 in 341,615 baby boys. The name's stable trajectory means it has never experienced a sharp decline or revival, appealing to parents seeking a strong, historically grounded name that is recognizable but uncommon. Its meaning, 'famous wolf,' connects to a proud Norse heritage, honoring legendary saga figures without being overbearing in modern contexts.
Rolf derives from the Old Norse name Hrólfr, itself a contraction of Hróðulfr (composed of hróðr 'fame' and úlfr 'wolf'). It was borne by legendary figures in Norse sagas and was introduced to England by Viking settlers. The name has remained common in Scandinavia and Germany, with a modest presence in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rolly
Sibling names for Rolf
Names that share Rolf's style, for a brother or sister.
