Adolf Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Adolf has its origins in the Germanic roots, meaning 'noble wolf'. It evolved from 'Adalwolf' in Old High German to its current form in Modern German. While the name carries traits of nobility and strength, its biblical relevance is non-existent. Its usage peaked in the 19th century but drastically declined post-World War II due to its negative connotations. Variants include Adolphe and Adolfo, but today it is perceived unfavorably in many cultures.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Adolf"
Pronunciation
/ˈædɒlf/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Adolf derives from the Old High German name 'Adalwolf', which is composed of the elements 'adal', meaning 'noble', and 'wolf', meaning 'wolf'.
Meaning
noble wolf
Language Evolution
Adalwolf (Old High German), Adolf (Middle High German), Adolf (Modern German)
Historical Usage
The name Adolf gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in German-speaking countries, but it saw a significant decline in usage following World War II due to its association with Adolf Hitler.
Variants & Derivatives
Adolphe (French), Adolfo (Italian/Spanish), Aldo (Italian), Dolf (Dutch)
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Adolf is viewed negatively in many parts of the world due to its association with Adolf Hitler and the atrocities of the Nazi regime, leading to its rarity in modern naming practices.
Famous People
Adolf Hitler (German politician and leader of the Nazi Party), Adolf Loos (Austrian architect), Adolf Galland (German fighter pilot in World War II)
📊 Adolf Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Adolf Name Visualizations
✨ Adolf Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 56 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Adolf" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Adolf". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Adolf" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Adolf"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Adolf"
"Adolf" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1019th of 7545 | 731 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1645th of 6773 | 338 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2901st of 7552 | 153 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4508th of 10718 | 84 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13420th of 16616 | 12 |
Regional Popularity of "Adolf" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
62.50% 885th/1416 |
39.45% 544th/1379 |
56.00% 1325th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
51.99% 809th/1556 |
75.14% 1768th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Adolf" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Adolf"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Adolf" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Adolf" in the United States
The name Adolf is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Adolf has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Adolf' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1019th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1645th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2901st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4508th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13420th out of 16616 names. Discover how the name 'Adolf' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.