Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Adolf

      Origin

      German

      Meaning

      Noble Wolf

      Variations

      Adolfo, Aadolf, Adolph
      The name Adolf, originating from the Germanic language, holds significant historical and cultural meaning. Etymologically, the name Adolf is a combination of two elements: adal, meaning noble, and wolf, symbolizing courage and strength. Its meaning as Noble Wolf reflects the noble qualities associated with wolves, such as their cunning and loyalty.

      Throughout history, the name Adolf has been found in various contexts. One of the most well-known figures bearing this name is Adolf Hitler, the infamous German dictator of the 20th century. Hitler's actions and ideologies have forever linked the name Adolf to a dark and sinister persona. However, it is important to recognize that the name Adolf predates this notorious association and has a broader historical significance. In medieval times, several noble and influential figures bore the name, contributing vastly to the tapestry of history.

      In modern-day usage, the name Adolf has significantly declined in popularity, primarily due to its undeniable association with Hitler and the atrocities committed during his regime. The notoriety of this association has rendered the name Adolf largely taboo in many Western societies. While some individuals may still carry this name, it is considerably rare and often met with reservations or disapproval. As time continues to distance us from the events of the past, it remains uncertain whether the name will regain its previous stature and disassociate itself from its dark historical connotations.

      Based on our records...

      Andersson

      Andersson

      This is the most common surname associated with Adolf.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name of those married to a Adolf.
      Adolf

      Adolf

      This is the most common name for a child of a Adolf.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1880 is when there were the most people born with the first name Adolf.

      Explore the origins of another name.