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My great grandfather's name was Rudolf. He was the only one I have known. I like the name because of him, but I don't know if I would like it if it hadn't been his name.

Oh, I wholeheartedly endorse this! Rudolf (this spelling in particular) is one of my favorite names, and the nickname Rudy is adorable.

Yay! I've loved the name Rudolf for years. It's great to see someone actively considering it.

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I don't know any, except in history books. It makes me think of Habsburg (sp?) aristocrats and romantic trysts. Nn Rudy is cute too.

I think it's a nice enough name. It isn't at all common where I live, so most people would probably think of reindeer, especially children, and may consider the name silly. That said, the "Harry Potter" series has brought a lot of less common names to public attention (there's a minor character, Rudolf) as well as the name of actor, Rupert Grint. There's also actor, Rupert Everett, and "Survivor" contestant, Rupert, who had fans wearing his t-shirts. Rudolf isn't far off from Rupert.

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Meh, I'm not a fan. I just don't like the sound of "-dolf," to be honest. It's very harsh and unattractive to my ear. On the plus side, there is the possibility of Rudy, which I think is a cute nickname.

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I wonder, though, if the Red-Nosed Reindeer would make it a pain to grow up with. My money is on yes.

I know one Rudolf who is in his 60s. He's a great gut, but I wouldn't advocate using the name. I just imagine the reindeer song would get very old very fast. Too bad, though, because the name is actually really nice.

This message was edited 2/21/2012, 6:12 AM

I knew a family with this as a surname, but as a fn, I think it would be REALLY hard to separate from the reindeer song and story.

I don't particularly like the name Rudolf. It it just too closely linked to the reindeer for me to consider it a useable name.

I know one

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I worked with one this summer.
I had a hard time not laughing the first time I heard his name to be honest. I think it's pretty ridiculous actually and no, I don't like the name.

He'll be so happy when he finds that he can shorten it to Rude! That phase probably won't last very long, but it'll be fun while it does.

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Rudolf isn't unusual where I live, and people tend not to think of reindeer.

All I think of is Rudolph the red nosed reindeer i'm afraid. That's because it's not a name that it used here so this is my only association with the name.

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I do like Rudy though (I've just finished reading The Book Theif so this name is very much in my mind), it would make a cute nickname

I don't know any but I think it's a good name.

I like it quite a bit, actually, and I think Rudolf is the nicest spelling of the name, too. It's classy, but not too uppity, which is a good thing. I also get a soft, earthy vibe from it. It's hard to describe, but that characteristic appeals to me, especially in a boys' name.

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I've never met a Rudolf myself, though the first thing I thought of when I saw the topic was Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. The juxtaposition of your username might have had something to do with it (Mary = Mary Vetsera), but I'm a bit of a nerd so I probably would have thought of him anyways eventually. I doubt this is a historical connection most individuals will make, however.