Adolf

This name is of Germanic origin, composed of two elements: “*aþalaz” (noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent) plus “*-wulfaz” (wolf). In turn, the name means “noble wolf.” Adolf also spelled Adolph and, sometimes, Latinized to Adolphus is a given name used in German-speaking countries. Adolf was a common name for newborn babies in German-speaking countries in the 19th century and early 20th-century until the end of World War II. Due to the stigma with the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, the name “Adolf” is now rarely given as a forename to males. The name is still prevalent among now-elderly people. Adolf (or Adolph) (~1255–1298) was the King of Germany from 1292 until 1298. Though his title in his lifetime was Rex Romanorum (King of the Romans), he is usually known as Adolf of Nassau. He was never crowned by the Pope, which would have secured him the Holy Roman Emperor’s title. He was the second in the succession of so-called count-kings.