Fun Facts About the Name Ulf
- 5 babies named Ulf: U.S. records list 5 babies given the name Ulf from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Ulf Mean?
Ulf is a masculine name of Old Norse origin meaning "wolf." It comes from the Old Norse personal name Úlfr, which is identical to the common noun úlfr, "wolf." That noun descends from Proto-Germanic *wulfaz, the same source as Old English wulf and modern English wolf. The meaning is literal rather than symbolic: the name is an old animal name, not a later interpretation.
Ulf Name History & Origins
The name is recorded in Old Norse as Úlfr. Medieval Icelandic literature preserves the byname Kveld-Úlfr ("Evening Wolf") for the grandfather of the poet Egill Skallagrímsson in Egils saga; this is a literary use of the name, not evidence of its earliest record. In Scandinavian history, the 11th-century Danish earl Ulf Thorgilsson married Estrid, a sister of King Cnut, and was the father of Sweyn II of Denmark.
The standalone form Ulf remained in use in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Icelandic has Úlfur, and Faroese has Úlvur. In English-speaking countries, Ulf is used chiefly as a Scandinavian name rather than as an inherited English one.
How Popular is the Name Ulf?
Ulf has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 1965. Its best rank was #4,398 in 1965.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | #4,398 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with U
Short Boy Names That Start with U
How the Name Ulf Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have talent, charm and luck. You can succeed in art and in any educational occupation. You attract peculiar experiences. Your power and protection lies in spiritual side of life. You are an enthusiastic collector and you will be tenacious in holding onto the things you accumulate. You have a good memory and should make an effort to have a positive attitude. Emergencies may raise your intuitive abilities in order to resolve conflict or situation. You become very creative under the pressure, and have quite original ideas to make the best out of it.
Creative and outgoing, you are always looking for an opportunity to show your abilities, especially before audience. You are very flexible and like to feel appreciated. You are looking for chances to mix with others socially and to communicate your ideas. You like to talk and can easily relate to different cultures and concepts. The biggest challenge for you is uncertainty. Easily getting bored, you can move from one job to another, switch projects and lovers. The high creative force can lead you either to happiness or unhappiness. If you understand your goals, if you can make major decisions in life and follow it directly and straight up without worry and uncertainty, you are able to achieve great heights.
✦ Ulf's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Ulf's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.