Rudolf Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationROO-dolf / /ˈruː.dɒlf/German; Scandinavian
Meaning
German: 'famous wolf'; Scandinavian: 'wise counselor'
Historical & Cultural Background
Rudolf is a name of Germanic origin, commonly associated with the elements 'hrod' meaning fame and 'wulf' meaning wolf. It has been popular in various European cultures, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. The name has historical significance, being borne by several kings and notable figures throughout history. Rudolf has also been used in literature and folklore, contributing to its enduring popularity.
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 Diesel was a German engineer known for inventing the diesel engine.
Rudolf Nureyev was a celebrated Russian ballet dancer and choreographer.
Rudolf II was a Holy Roman Emperor known for his patronage of the arts and sciences.
Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher and social reformer, founder of anthroposophy.
Fictional characters named Rudolf
Rudolf is a character in the animated television special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer', where he leads 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)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1882 | 5 |
| 1887 | 6 |
| 1892 | 5 |
| 1896 | 5 |
| 1898 | 7 |
| 1902 | 5 |
| 1903 | 10 |
| 1904 | 6 |
| 1905 | 5 |
| 1906 | 8 |
| 1907 | 8 |
| 1908 | 6 |
| 1909 | 14 |
| 1910 | 8 |
| 1911 | 18 |
| 1912 | 31 |
| 1913 | 21 |
| 1914 | 39 |
| 1915 | 65 |
| 1916 | 70 |
| 1917 | 55 |
| 1918 | 51 |
| 1919 | 49 |
| 1920 | 42 |
| 1921 | 39 |
| 1922 | 49 |
| 1923 | 62 |
| 1924 | 49 |
| 1925 | 55 |
| 1926 | 66 |
| 1927 | 82 |
| 1928 | 73 |
| 1929 | 68 |
| 1930 | 67 |
| 1931 | 49 |
| 1932 | 46 |
| 1933 | 34 |
| 1934 | 41 |
| 1935 | 34 |
| 1936 | 40 |
| 1937 | 37 |
| 1938 | 36 |
| 1939 | 35 |
| 1940 | 35 |
| 1941 | 43 |
| 1942 | 44 |
| 1943 | 27 |
| 1944 | 25 |
| 1945 | 33 |
| 1946 | 24 |
| 1947 | 29 |
| 1948 | 29 |
| 1949 | 34 |
| 1950 | 41 |
| 1951 | 30 |
| 1952 | 47 |
| 1953 | 33 |
| 1954 | 36 |
| 1955 | 31 |
| 1956 | 30 |
| 1957 | 36 |
| 1958 | 39 |
| 1959 | 26 |
| 1960 | 18 |
| 1961 | 28 |
| 1962 | 32 |
| 1963 | 31 |
| 1964 | 18 |
| 1965 | 22 |
| 1966 | 16 |
| 1967 | 19 |
| 1968 | 23 |
| 1969 | 14 |
| 1970 | 25 |
| 1971 | 25 |
| 1972 | 20 |
| 1973 | 16 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1975 | 15 |
| 1976 | 7 |
| 1977 | 17 |
| 1978 | 17 |
| 1979 | 22 |
| 1980 | 19 |
| 1981 | 12 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1983 | 16 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 9 |
| 1991 | 11 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 6 |