Discover name insights instantly.

Uncover the origin, popularity, and more for any name.

Name Origin

Rudolf is a Germanic name meaning 'famous wolf' or 'wolf counsel'. It is composed of two elements: 'hroþi', meaning 'fame' or 'glory', and 'wulf', meaning 'wolf'.

germanicmasculinewolffameglorycounselstrengthleadership

Famous People

Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913)

Inventor and Mechanical Engineer

  • Invented the diesel engine

Rudolf Hess (1887-1987)

Politician

  • Deputy Führer of Nazi Germany
  • Flew solo to Scotland in 1941 in a purported attempt to negotiate peace with the UK

Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993)

Dancer and Choreographer

  • One of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century
  • Defected from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961