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Wolf Boy

Popularity: #834 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationwolf / /wʊlf/

German; English

Meaning

German: wolf; English: wolf

Historical & Cultural Background

The name "Wolf" has its roots in the Old High German word "wolf," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic wulfaz. This term can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root wl̥kʷos, meaning "wolf." The name entered the English language through the influence of the Germanic tribes during the early medieval period, particularly with the migration of the Anglo-Saxons to England in the 5th and 6th centuries. In English, it has been used both as a given name and as a surname, often reflecting the characteristics associated with the animal, such as strength and ferocity.

Historically, the wolf has been a significant figure in various cultures and mythologies. In medieval Europe, wolves were often depicted in folklore and literature, symbolizing cunning and ferocity. The name has been borne by notable figures, including various medieval nobles and warriors, who adopted it as a surname, indicating a connection to the animal's traits. Additionally, in the context of Christianity, the wolf is sometimes used metaphorically in biblical texts, such as in the New Testament, where it represents danger or deceit, as seen in the phrase "wolf in sheep's clothing."

Culturally, the name "Wolf" has resonated through various traditions and has been associated with strength, loyalty, and guardianship. In German-speaking countries, it has been a common name, often appearing in compound forms such as Wolfgang, which combines "wolf" with "gang" (path or way). This compound name reflects a historical significance, as it was borne by Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, a notable figure in the 10th century known for his missionary work. The enduring presence of the name in various forms across cultures highlights its deep-rooted significance and the symbolic associations tied to the wolf throughout history.

Trend Summary

The name Wolf has seen a gradual increase in popularity in recent years in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Wolfe

International Variants

  • Loup (French)
  • Lobo (Spanish)
  • Wolfgang (German)

Famous people named Wolf

Wolf Blitzer is a journalist best known for The Situation Room and his work with CNN.

Fictional characters named Wolf

Wolf is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is a form taken by Link in the game Twilight Princess, where he navigates the world in wolf form to solve puzzles and combat enemies.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Wolf was first seen in the United States in 1912. Wolf has ranked as high as #1256 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Wolf has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Wolf (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 15
37%
NY 11
27%
FL 9
22%
TX 6
15%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19125
19505
19537
19568
19577
195819
195914
196015
19615
19625
19636
19666
19685
19709
19717
19736
19746
19758
19768
197710
19789
19828
19845
19869
198711
19888
19897
19909
199112
19926
19936
199414
199515
199613
199715
199825
199912
200018
200119
200214
200321
200414
200515
200627
200723
200825
200928
201029
201126
201224
201353
201450
201561
201667
201775
201883
201987
202082
2021107
2022100
202391
202490