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Rudolf Boy

Popularity: #918 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationROO-dolf / /ˈruː.dɒlf/

German; Scandinavian

Meaning

German: 'famous wolf'; Scandinavian: 'wise counselor'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rudolf has its roots in the Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "wulf," meaning "wolf." This etymological combination can be traced back to the Old High German form "Hruodolf," which evolved into the Middle High German "Rudolf." The name made its way into English through the influence of the Normans, who brought it to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adapted into the form Rudolf.

Historically, the name Rudolf has been borne by several notable figures, including Rudolf I of Habsburg, who became King of the Romans in the late 13th century and played a significant role in the establishment of the Habsburg dynasty. Additionally, Saint Rudolf of Bourges, a 9th-century bishop, contributed to the name's prominence in Christian contexts. The name appears in various historical texts and documents, reflecting its usage across different regions and cultures.

Culturally, Rudolf has been associated with strength and leadership due to its meaning, which has contributed to its endurance over the centuries. The name has also been linked to various traditions and folklore, particularly in German-speaking regions, where it has been celebrated in literature and song. A notable diminutive form is Rudi, which has been used affectionately in various contexts. Overall, Rudolf carries a legacy that intertwines linguistic heritage with historical significance, making it a name of enduring cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Rudolf has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rudolph
  • Rudi

International Variants

  • Rudolfo (Italian)
  • Rudolfs (Latvian)
  • Rudolphe (French)

Famous people named Rudolf

Rudolf Nureyev is a ballet dancer and choreographer best known for his performances with the Royal Ballet, his role in the ballet Romeo and Juliet, and his interpretation of The Nutcracker.

Rudolf Diesel is an engineer and inventor best known for developing the diesel engine.

Rudolf Steiner is an educator and philosopher best known for founding Waldorf education and anthroposophy.

Fictional characters named Rudolf

Rudolf is a fictional character from the animated television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He is a young reindeer who is ostracized for his glowing red nose but ultimately saves Christmas by guiding Santa's sleigh.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rudolf was first seen in the United States in 1882. Rudolf has ranked as high as #807 nationally, which occurred in 1927, and has been most popular in New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey. In the past 5 years the name Rudolf has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Rudolf (1994)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18825
18876
18925
18965
18987
19025
190310
19046
19055
19068
19078
19086
190914
19108
191118
191231
191321
191439
191565
191670
191755
191851
191949
192042
192139
192249
192362
192449
192555
192666
192782
192873
192968
193067
193149
193246
193334
193441
193534
193640
193737
193836
193935
194035
194143
194244
194327
194425
194533
194624
194729
194829
194934
195041
195130
195247
195333
195436
195531
195630
195736
195839
195926
196018
196128
196232
196331
196418
196522
196616
196719
196823
196914
197025
197125
197220
197316
19749
197515
19767
197717
197817
197922
198019
198112
19828
198316
198413
198511
198612
198716
198814
198916
19909
199111
199211
19939
199412
19958
199610
19978
199814
199912
20008
200211
20035
20048
200510
20065
20078
20088
20096
20106
20135
20167
20178
20188
20197
20208
20215
20228
20236
20246