Beowulf

BAY-ə-woolf
Old English
"bee wolf"

Beowulf Origin and Meaning

The name Beowulf is a boy's name of English origin meaning "bee wolf".

This ancient name is that of the hero of the epic Beowulf, which is thought to be the oldest-ever poem in English lit written in the vernacular. J. R. R. Tolkien used the poem as one of his inspirations for The Lord of the Rings.

Certainly a weighty if historically relevant choice, but usable for a modern baby? Even a few years ago, we might have said no. But Beowulf Sheehan is a noted portrait photographer, Beowulf Borritt a Broadway production designer, and the nicknames Wulf or Wulfie are feeling positively mainstream.

With other ancient names from myth and legend coming to life once again, Beowulf is certainly up for consideration.

Beowulf Popularity

Famous People Named Beowulf

  • Beowulf Boritt
    American set designer, son of historian Gabor Boritt

Beowulf in Pop Culture

  • "Beowulf
    " epic poem and its main character

Beowulf in Nameberry Forums