Holding steady.
Popularity of Rolfe since 1912
Babies named Rolfe per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1955, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rolfe's real moment was 1939.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 51 |
| 1920s | 75 |
| 1930s | 98 |
| 1940s | 101 |
| 1950s | 148 |
| 1960s | 59 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Rolfe is a Germanic name meaning 'famous wolf' that has seen limited but consistent use in the United States since the early 20th century. First recorded in Social Security data in 1912, the name reached its peak popularity in 1939, during a period when strong, one-syllable Germanic names were moderately common. Since then, Rolfe has remained rare, with a stable trajectory and no recent resurgence. While it has never appeared in the top 1000, its historical presence reflects the enduring appeal of names with a rugged, traditional feel. The name's rarity today offers a distinctive option for parents seeking an underused classic.
Rolfe is a German name derived from the Old High German elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'wolf' meaning 'wolf'. It is a variant of Rolf and Rudolf, names long used in Germanic-speaking Europe. The name appears in early medieval records and was introduced to England by the Normans.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rolf
Sibling names for Rolfe
Names that share Rolfe's style, for a brother or sister.
