Names That Mean Wolf

Waya

Cherokee

"wolf"

Waya pays homage to the wolf — one of the most respected creatures in Native American culture.

Adolph

German

"noble wolf"

World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.

Adolphus

Latin

"noble wolf"

This softer version of Adolf is sadly still off-limits due to the connotations with Hitler.

Adolf

German

"noble wolf"

Adolf may have been a Swedish royal name but the terrible dictatorship of Adolf Hitler has ruled out this name Adolf for any sensible parent. In the US last year, there were more than 100 boys' given…

Adolphe

French, variation of German Adolph

"noble wolf"

Still verboten, even with a French accent.

Bardolph

German

"bright wolf"

Bardolph is an antiquated German name that was used by Shakespeare for several minor characters. Short form Bardo, a Buddhist term for a Limbo-like state, would be more familiar and more fashionable…

Conal

Irish

"strong as a wolf"

If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings…

Gandolf

Teutonic

"wand-wolf"

Gandolf and variant Gandulf are legitimate names used in medieval Europe, including by several bishops and dukes. From it comes the name of Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence. However, to…

Rudolf

Spelling variation of Rudolph, German

"famous wolf"

You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.

Ulf

Scandinavian

"wolf"

A common Scandinavian name , but hard to imagine being used elsewhere.

Zeév

Hebrew

"wolf"

Sharp and sleek, it refers to Benjamin being compared to a wolf in Genesis.

Kennelly

Gaelic

"male descendant of a wolf"

Kennelly could be an upbeat modern namesake for a Grandpa Kenneth; it can also be spelled Kenneally.

Takaani

Native American, Inuit

"wolf"

An interesting possibility if you're looking for a highly unusual animal name.

Bardou

Old English

"ax-wielding wolf"

Bardou is a bright-as-a-button name that despite its zippy, modern feel is actually as old as the earth.

Bleiz

Breton

"wolf"

A fiery-sounding Breton name with a fierce animal meaning. Bleiz has also been used in honor of the Catholic Saint Blaise, due to its similar sound.

Loup

French

"wolf"

A rare French name derived from Latin lupus "wolf". It is most often found in the compound name Jean-Loup, as in Jean-Loup Chrétien, an astronaut and the first Frenchman in space.

Ingolf

Old Danish and Old Swedish

"Ing's wolf"

Wolfie

Diminutive of Wolfgang, German

"traveling wolf"

A domesticated take on Wolf, if the animal name is too ferocious for your liking. Wolfie has never charted as a given name in the US, but that may soon change now that Wolf names are of interest…