Rising since 1985, #1,886 for boys today.
Popularity of Wolf since 1912
Babies named Wolf per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 60 |
| 1960s | 42 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 127 |
| 2000s | 204 |
| 2010s | 555 |
| 2020s | 553 |
Meaning & origin
Wolf is a bold, straightforward name with deep Germanic roots. While it has been in use since at least the early 1900s, the name has seen a notable resurgence in recent decades. Its peak popularity came in 2021, and it has been steadily rising since 1985. Currently ranking 1886th with an incidence of 1 in 20,579 newborns, Wolf remains uncommon but distinctive. The most popular states for this name are New York, California, and Florida, reflecting its broader appeal in diverse, urban regions. Wolf's simplicity and natural imagery make it a striking choice for parents seeking a strong, one-syllable name with ancient echoes.
Wolf is an ancient Germanic name directly from the Old High German word 'wolf', meaning 'wolf'. It has been used as a given name since the early Middle Ages, often as a short form of compound names like Wolfgang or Wolfram. In Norse mythology, the wolf is a significant figure, and the name has maintained a consistent, if uncommon, presence in Germanic-speaking regions.
Where Wolf is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wolfie
Sibling names for Wolf
Names that share Wolf's style, for a brother or sister.
