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boy name · germanic origin

Rudolph

/ ROO-dolf /
Boy germanic 2 syllables
Meaning
Rudolph means famous wolf (germanic).
Gender
Boy
Origin
germanic
Pronunciation
ROO-dolf
Popularity
#4231 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Rudolph in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Rudolph first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1927, when 1,690 boys were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Rudolph popular?

Vintage Rudolph is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1927.

US babies given the name Rudolph, by decade
2020s 170
2010s 392
2000s 589
1990s 1,054
1980s 1,703
1970s 2,186
1960s 3,535
1950s 6,652
1940s 6,553
1930s 8,200
1920s 12,561
1910s 6,857
1900s 1,339
1890s 998
1880s 652

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Rudolph mean?

From the Germanic name Hrodwulf, combining 'hrod' ('fame') and 'wulf' ('wolf'), hence 'famous wolf'. The '-olph/-olf' ending preserves the wolf element.

Names like Rudolph

germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Rudolph →

Names that pair well with Rudolph

Popular germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Rudolph

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Rudolph mean?

Rudolph means famous wolf. From the Germanic name Hrodwulf, combining 'hrod' ('fame') and 'wulf' ('wolf'), hence 'famous wolf'. The '-olph/-olf' ending preserves the wolf element.

What is the origin of the name Rudolph?

Rudolph is of germanic origin.

How do you pronounce Rudolph?

Rudolph is pronounced “ROO-dolf.”

Is Rudolph a boy or a girl name?

Rudolph is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Rudolph a popular name right now?

Rudolph is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1927.

How popular is the name Rudolph?

In 2025, Rudolph ranked #4231 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Rudolph most popular?

Rudolph was most popular in 1927, when about 1,690 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Rudolph?

Names similar to Rudolph include Randolph, Hugo, Reginald, Herman, Wolfgang.

What names go well with Rudolph?

germanic names that pair well with Rudolph include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Walter.