Adolph
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Adolph
Adolph is a German boy name, which has 6 letters.
Adolph is a German name derived from the Old German Adalwolf, meaning “noble wolf”. It is also associated with the Germanic element adal, meaning “noble”.
Rating
Be the first one to vote!
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Buy On Amazon
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
Buy On Amazon
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Buy On AmazonThese are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Detailed Information About The Name Adolph
Adolph is a name of Germanic origin that can be traced back several centuries. The name is derived from the Old High German name "Adalwolf," which combines the elements "adal," meaning noble, and "wolf," meaning wolf. Adolph is primarily associated with Germany due to its Germanic roots, although it has also been used in other European countries. It gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Germanic names were fashionable.
However, the name Adolph has undergone a significant decline in usage since the mid-20th century. One of the factors contributing to this decline is the association of the name with Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany. Hitler's actions during World War II and the Holocaust have forever tarnished the name Adolph. Many parents now avoid using the name for their children due to its negative historical connotations.
It is worth noting that the alternative spelling "Adolf" is more commonly associated with Hitler, while "Adolph" is a variant primarily found in English-speaking countries. Despite this distinction, both spellings have fallen out of favor.
Though the notoriety of Hitler has made the name Adolph highly unpopular, it is important to recognize that the name predates his rise to power and has a separate historical context. Today, it is extremely rare to come across individuals named Adolph, as the negative association has led to a general aversion to the name. Ultimately, the fate of the name Adolph serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that historical figures can have on the perception and popularity of certain names.
Similar German Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your Baby
Unusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names