Rising since 1985, #1,514 for boys today.
Popularity of Wolfgang since 1929
Babies named Wolfgang per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 8 |
| 1930s | 19 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 102 |
| 1960s | 120 |
| 1970s | 104 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 468 |
| 2000s | 508 |
| 2010s | 1,002 |
| 2020s | 786 |
Meaning & origin
Wolfgang is a distinctly German name with roots in the Old High German elements for 'wolf' and 'path.' Since first recorded in the U.S. in 1929, it has remained an uncommon but recognized choice, recently seeing a resurgence. The name's trajectory shows consistent rising popularity since 1985, with its peak rank in 2023. In 2025, its frequency is 1 in 14853 births. The top states for Wolfgang are New Jersey, Illinois, and Ohio, suggesting a concentration in areas with German-American heritage. Its strong, traditional sound and historical associations give it a weight that appeals to families seeking a name with depth and a clear cultural anchor.
Wolfgang derives from the Old High German elements 'wolf' (wolf) and 'gang' (path, way, journey). The name was common among Germanic nobility and saints, most notably Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, a 10th-century bishop and missionary. It has been borne widely in German-speaking regions and gained international recognition through figures like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Where Wolfgang is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wolf, Wolfie, Gang
Sibling names for Wolfgang
Names that share Wolfgang's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gretchen, Liesel, Annika, Brunhilde, Frieda, Anneliese, Hedwig, Irmgard, Hannelore, Heidemarie
Brothers: Friedrich, Ludwig, Heinrich, Albrecht, Siegfried, Lorenz, Rudolf, Sigmund, Braun, Dieter, Fredrich, Gunther, Heinz, Helmuth, Jurgen, Rolfe, Ulrich, Dietrick, Helmut, Manfred, Reinhardt, Reinhart, Detrich, Hartman, Kleber, Kohler, Lycan, Zigmond
