Meaning & Origin
A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Rolf is a boy's baby name of Old Norse origin, a contracted form of Hrólfr (Rudolf), meaning 'fame wolf' or 'renowned wolf' — from the Old Norse hrór (famous, renowned) and úlfr (wolf).
Rollo (Rolf), the Viking warlord who became the first ruler of Normandy in 911 CE, is one of history's most consequential bearers — his descendant William the Conqueror changed England forever in 1066. Rolf Hochhuth, the controversial German playwright, and Rolf the Muppet both add cultural color. With over 3,000 recorded U.S. births, it has significant historical presence.