Adolf

Comments

Meaning

Usage

Pronunciation

Famous

Impression

Other

I like the meaning, and I prefer the old Germanic form, Adalwolf. Same meaning, more clear of the meaning, no association with someone that all of Europe hates.

― Tovaryshka_Anya 8/24/2024

... if you must name your child Adolf, use the spelling "Adolph" (like my 2nd great grandfather. He also had a mustache and was german, but didn't kill anyone 🙂)

― Lucillexx 8/20/2024

Alright are you serious? If you're born yesterday, Adolf ain't got no good agenda. Go for Felix.

― Anonymous User 7/7/2024

D-Day was 80 years ago today.

Hitler was a monster. Despite the fact that Adolf has a good meaning, it is so associated with Hitler I find it extremely insensitive to Holocaust survivors to name your child Adolf. I would suggest a name with the same meaning. As for the Stalin argument, Joseph was an extremely common name before Stalin. If it had been Adolf Stalin and Joseph Hitler, Joseph would still be used, and not Adolf.

― I-love-baby-names 6/6/2024

I really like the name Adolf. I know someone who bears this name, but since childhood, they have been stigmatized and neglected during their school years. They were mocked by their teachers and later by their classmates. I fear that this had a very negative impact on their personality development. However, they have become stronger as an adult, although still somewhat reserved. I hope they are doing well.

― Nathan1234 6/3/2024

I actually like this name, but it's forever been ruined by the German moustache man.

― ecksl 3/28/2024, edited 3/28/2024

I personally quite like the name, but it does take a lot of courage to use it in the modern world.

― Anonymous User 2/27/2024

My impression is pretty standard: without Hitler I'd probably think of it as just a below-average name with an above-average meaning, a bit harsh for my taste. With Hitler? It's a horrible name. Yes, you might be naming your kid after a relative. But no one knows of any other Hitlers. It was never a particularly common name, so there isn't really anyone else to compare it to with the same level of fame. Stalin's famous, but you're also likely to think of any other Joseph, like, say, Biden, the Biblical character, or Joe from down the street. There isn't a president, biblical character, or neighbor (at least in my neighborhood) named Adolf, so there's no one to temper the gut reaction. It's the same reason you don't name your kid Osama. If a name (a) belongs to a famous evildoer and (b) is rare where you live, you shouldn't name your kid that, because, in all likelihood, the famous person will be the first to come to mind. If you sort by frequency, the most popular evildoer in Behind the Name's category is John, followed by Jack. Adolf is #3, but Charles, Elizabeth, Henry, Joseph, and Ted all make respectable showings. Why do people name their kids Ted or Elizabeth? Because the reason names like that are so common among murderers or whatever is because they're so common--period. You know other Johns. It's a generic name. The names I'd say are "to avoid" on that list are all fairly rare, except for Adolf; Osama, Idi, Bugsy.
And that's why Joseph isn't reviled to the same extent that Adolf/Adolph is.

― Ferrousity 2/20/2024

I actually like the name itself, BUT that man with the little mustache has made it unusable.

― hello_1234 2/17/2024

Another famous bearers:

Adolf Noreen (1854–1925), Swedish linguist
Adolf Oberländer (1845–1923), German caricaturist
Adolf Ogi (born 1942), Swiss politician
Adolf Opálka (1915–1942), Czech anti-Nazi fighter
Adolf Overweg (1822–1852), German scientist
Adolf Petrovsky (1887–?), Soviet diplomat
Adolf Pilar von Pilchau (1851–1925), Baltic German politician
Adolf Pilch (1914–2000), Polish resistance fighter
Adolf Pinner (1842-1909), German chemist
Adolf Reinach (1883–1917), German phenomenologist
Adolf Rudnicki (1912–1990), Polish-Jewish author
Adolf Rzepko (1825–1892), Polish composer
Adolf Friedrich von Schack (1815–1894), German poet
Adolf Schallamach (1905–1997), German-born British scientist working on rubber friction
Adolf Schärf (1890–1965), President of Austria
Adolf Scherer (1938–2023), Slovak footballer of German descent
Adolf Schlagintweit (1829–1857), German explorer
Adolf Schmal (1872–1919), Austrian fencer
Adolf Schreyer (1828–1899), German painter
Adolf Shayevich (born 1937), Rabbi of the Moscow Choral Synagogue and one of two Chief Rabbis of Russia
Adolf Smekal (1895–1959), Austrian physicist
Adolf Stelzer (1908–1977), Swiss footballer
Adolf Stieler (1775–1836), German cartographer
Adolf Stoecker (1835–1909), German theologian
Adolf Strauss (composer) (1902–1944), Czech pianist, violinist, composer, and kapellmeister
Adolf Strauss (general) (1879–1973), general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany
Adolf Theuer (1920–1947), German SS officer at Auschwitz concentration camp
Adolf Tolkachev (1927–1986), Soviet engineer and CIA spy
Adolf von Sonnenthal (1834–1909), Austrian actor
Adolf "Dado" Topić (born 1949), Croatian singer
Adolf Tortilowicz von Batocki-Friebe (1868-1944), Lithuanian nobleman, lawyer and politician
Adolf Walbrook (1896–1967), Austrian actor
Adolf Wahrmund (1827–1913), Austrian-German orientalist
Adolf Wilbrandt (1837–1911), German novelist
Adolf Windaus (1876–1959), German chemist
Adolf Wölfli (1864–1930), Swiss artist
Adolf Zeising (1810–1876), German psychologist
Adolf Ziegler (1892–1959), German painter and politician
Adolf Zutter (1889–1947), German SS concentration camp officer
Adolf Zytogorski (c. 1811/1812–1882), Polish-British chess master and translator
Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr. (1914-1997, European-American first name Adolf man with the longest name.

― Samantha Carter 10/20/2023

Famous bearers:
Monarchs and nobles:

Adolf Frederick, King of Sweden (1710–1771)
Adolf I, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe (1817–1893)
Adolf II, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe (1883–1936)
Adolf of Altena (1157–1220), Archbishop of Cologne
Adolf of Nassau (1540–1568), Count of Nassau, brother of William the Silent
Adolf, Count Palatine of the Rhine (1300–1327)
Adolf, Duke of Bavaria (1434–1441)
Adolf, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp (1526–1586)
Adolf, Duke of Jülich-Berg (1370–1437)
Adolf, King of the Romans (1255–1298), King of Germany
Adolph I, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen (d. 1473)
Adolph II, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen (1458–1526)
Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg (1817–1905)
Adolphus Cambridge, 1st Marquess of Cambridge (1868–1927)
Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1658–1708)
Adolphus VIII, Count of Holstein (1401–1459), Duke of southern Jutland
Adulf Evil-child (fl. AD 973), more commonly known as Eadwulf Evil-child, Earl of Bamburgh
Ernest Augustus William Adolphus George Frederick, Crown Prince of Hanover (1845–1923)
Gustaf IV Adolf (1778–1837), King of Sweden
Gustaf VI Adolf (1882–1973), King of Sweden
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden (1594–1632), King of Sweden
Prince Adolf of Schaumburg-Lippe (1859–1917), regent of Lippe
Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (1774–1850), son of George III of the United Kingdom
Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten (1906–1947), Prince of Sweden

Adolf Albin (1848–1920), Romanian chess player
Adolf Althoff (1913–1998), German circus owner
Adolf Anderssen (1818–1879), German chess player
Adolf Appellöf (1857–1921), Swedish zoologist
Gustav Badin (1747/1750 – 1822), Swedish court servant
Adolf von Baeyer (1835–1917), German chemist who synthesised indigo and developed a nomenclature for cyclic compounds
Adolf Bastian (1826–1905), German anthropologist
Adolf Beck (1863-1942), Polish physician and pioneer of electroencephalography
Adolf van den Berg (born 1978), South African cricketer
Adolf A. Berle (1895–1971), European-American lawyer, educator, author, and diplomat
Ādolfs Bļodnieks (1889–1962), 9th Prime Minister of Latvia
Adolf Bniński (1884–1942), Polish agricultural, conservative, and royalist activist
Adolf Born (1930–2016), Czech artist and filmmaker
Adolf Brand (1874–1945), German journalist
Adolf Brudes (1899–1986), German racing driver
Adolf Busch (1891–1952), German violinist and composer
Adolf Butenandt (1903–1995), German biochemist
Adolf Čech (1841–1903), Czech conductor
Adolf Charlemagne or Sharleman, Russian painter (1826–1901)
Adolf Cluss (1825–1905), German-American architect
Adolf Daens (1839–1907), Belgian theologian
Adolf "Adi" Dassler (1900–1978), German entrepreneur and founder of Adidas
Adolf Deucher (1831–1912), Swiss politician
Adolf Dymsza (1900–1975), Polish comic actor
Adolf Ehrnrooth (1905–2004), Finnish general
Adolf Eichler (1869–1911), German civil architect.

― Samantha Carter 10/20/2023

There are so many other names, and you choose this? Do you really not care about your child so much that you give him a name with such horrible associations?

― FelisCatus 9/30/2023

Adolf means 'noble or majestic wolf'.

― Swagsthename 9/16/2023

I'm not the only Jewish person on this site, so I'll speak my perspective. It's not a bad name by itself, and was very common all across Europe, and in America too, also commonly used by Jews, up until WW2. I know of Jews named Adolf who were born before the war who kept their name, and of Jews in South America who were named Adolfo even after the war. Is it tainted, yes, but the name itself is alright.

― Ohad Yigal 9/4/2023

I do like the sound of this name somewhat. It's a shame that it's been tainted.

― Anonymous User 7/13/2023

Update: I don't actually like the sound of this name anymore. The -olf sound just sounds pretty ugly tbh.

― Anonymous User 2/2/2024

-1

Probably a bad idea.

― Anonymous User 6/23/2023

I disagree with the argument that we should continue using this name despite that one person. People compare this name to Joseph, and they say Joseph Stalin was a horrible person, but we still name kids Joseph. The difference is that Joseph has always been a very common name, and most people don't immediately think of Stalin when they hear Joseph. How many people do you know whose first name is Adolf?

― AGuy27 4/29/2023

Hitler didn’t ruin it. The name is just harsh sounding by itself, kids are not going around trying to be like Hitler just because their name is just Adolf! I still don’t like the name a lot but don’t say Hitler ruined it, Hitler ruined himself.

― Too_Cute_Shampoo 3/20/2023

-3

Also Romansh:
Source: "Vornamen in der Schweiz. Prénoms en Suisse. I nomi in Svizzera. Prenoms in Svizra" (1993) published by the Association of Swiss registrars
Https://sursassiala.ch/2015/01/15/familienforschung/
Https://nossaistorgia.ch/entries/j4gVkoqVYAp
Https://www.portraitarchiv.ch/portrait?page=302

― Anonymous User 2/4/2023, edited 2/15/2023

I love the nickname Adi for boys. Too soon for Adolf I'm afraid.

― Anonymous User 1/21/2023

Hope this name comes back someday. The meaning is badass. It was also the name of my friend’s nice old grandfather, who was Jewish, as were many other pre-Hitler Adolfs. Shame he managed to steal this name from the Jews as well.

― Anonymous User 1/5/2023

TBH, it's an okay name, but Hitler ruined it.

― VeronicaLove_yoot 1/2/2023

I agree with everyone else! The name itself is great, but its association with Hitler makes me avoid it altogether.

― lilysday 12/28/2022

Lots of people are saying don't name your child Adolf because of Adolf Hitler ruining it. I say Adolf is a handsome and strong name but can be used in the wrong way. People may name their child after other people named Adolf not just after Hitler. So don't go bagging people saying it is ugly because of something one man did- think about the others who were scientists, writers and artists.

― Anonymous User 11/6/2022

In my opinion this name is pretty cool although it's hard to use in the modern day and age for obvious reasons. The names Joseph, Vladimir, Mao, Jong-un, etc. are still common today even though there have been awful people with those names (some still alive today). I don't associate first names with these awful people, but rather the combination of their specific first and last names. I cannot justify what any of these people did no matter what, but I don't think someone should automatically receive hate or something like that just because their name is Adolf or Vladimir or something like that.

― Anonymous User 8/15/2022

To be honest? I would’ve liked this name a lot more if it weren’t for you-know-who. It’s noble, strong, and the sound isn’t half-bad. There are much better boy names out there anyways, and this isn’t one of them regardless. I don’t see how this name is feminine.

― ciara23 8/5/2022, edited 8/5/2022

Nice enough name, ruined by that EVIL man Adolf Hitler. I’m Jewish, my paternal grandfather lost 5 siblings and both his parents in the holocaust when he was only 11, younger than me. I do not understand why anyone would give their child the name of that monster.

― sprout 8/5/2022

Don't like it. It's dated and ugly to look at, and don't get me started on the namesake. I like the meaning though!

― - Courtney - 7/16/2022

Adolf Uunona; a Namibian civil rights activist and politician born in 1966.

― Mark M. 6/29/2022

Even without Hitler the name sounds ugly.

― chani chan 1/5/2022

It's a shame that this name got ruined by a certain Vienna Academy of Fine Arts reject, and I like the sound of it too, but naming your child Adolf is just cruel.

― A Humanist Potato 12/12/2021

Name's ugly, that's it.

― Anonymous User 10/23/2021

Do not name your child Adolf. It’s really UGLY, anyways.

― Anonymous User 8/30/2021

This name, even without Hitler's association, sounds strong and rough.

― Random_Mudkip 4/22/2021

Please don't use this name! RUINED FOREVER! (by you know who, Hitler)

― Crystal_Wolf 3/28/2021

I would have liked this name if not for, you know... that idiotic "murderer". Such a shame for a wonderful name to be ruined!

― Anonymous User 3/26/2021

I think Adolphus would be a better choice, for obvious reasons.

― tangledeva 3/17/2021

I think this is a lovely name. It's such a shame that it's become solely associated with... him, but I hope it makes a come-back someday.

― NiamhyCS 3/9/2021

Also Luxembourgish: https://lb.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Weis
http://www.actioun-letzebuergesch.lu/virnimm.html

― Anonymous User 3/1/2021

I actually love this name! I understand why it's never used anymore.

― Clara711 2/10/2021

I love how it’s labelled “murderers”.

― Amy.B 2/7/2021

Insert a political comment how this name shouldn't be used and how you're a bad person if you use it.

― Anonymous User 1/24/2021

-7

I understand why people like the name and to be perfectly honest, for a name it's nice. Yet of course Hitler came and ruined the name for me and LOTS of people. Although I must say that I find it funny that Satan (yes, Satan) has a higher percentage than Adolf in ratings and the comments are full of Satanists which is hilarious. Really bad sign when people like Satan more than Adolf, says a lot about the name.

― Anonymous User 1/5/2021

I like it. It has a nice ring to it. Pleasant and unassuming. ❤️ Besides, if the Hitler thing bothers you, the boy could go by Dolf or Dolph.

― noisynora 12/12/2020

-3

You gotta be pretty damn bold/stupid to actually name your child this.

Hell no, please don’t give your child this name.

― Anonymous User 10/26/2020

Personally, I understand why this name is despised by many. People should never forget the atrocities that Hitler ordered just so he could take over Europe. However, I do not think this name should just disappear. I think it has a unique meaning regardless of who bears it. I know a lot of Josephs, yet I don’t associate them with Stalin, who in my opinion was WAY worse than Hitler. There are tons of Andrews. I don’t associate them with Andrew Jackson, who was behind the Trail of Tears and caused millions of Native Americans to die. If you hate a name because of 1 or few men, you might as well hate the majority of names.

― Chuck Walker 8/19/2020

It used to be a beautiful and handsome name. Do not use this for anything.

― Anonymous User 7/25/2020

Also Estonian: https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_(eesnimi)

― Anonymous User 7/24/2020

Personally, I'm not very fond of this name purely by association, but if a couple were to name their child Adolf, I would leave them alone about it, and get to know the child for who he is as opposed to who he was supposedly named after.

― DHS123103 6/24/2020

Adolf Hitler was an evil man. As a German, I have learned much about the Holocaust (I'm Christian not Jewish), I have read so many books and watched so many movies to try and understand it well. Adolf Hitler was an Evil man, however, naming your son isn't naming your child after Adolf Hitler, it's only naming your son Adolf. If you want to name your son Adolf, why not name him that?

― Anonymous User 5/13/2020

I like the look and sound of it, but there's an obvious reason why it's unusable.

― someone- 5/11/2020

This was the name of my great-great-grandfather. That helps me separate the association with Hitler more easily. However, if the person had Adolf Hitler as his first and middle names like Adolf Hitler Campbell does, my association with my great-great-grandfather would not be helpful in that case. As for Adolf by itself, I would use it as a middle name for now if you are naming him after an ancestor. I would say the same thing if you were naming him after Adolf von Henslet as earlier commenters have said they like him. There still are people in Germany who do that. It may look good as a first name too if society has someone nice to think of. I hope they do soon. A lot of Germans do not realize this, but there is an explanation: there are no laws against it as long as Hitler is not the kid's middle name, and there are still a good number of people there with the name who are nice. A lot of them are also nice to Jews. Besides, that could have been the name of many of the 6,000,000 Jews who Hitler killed.

― Anonymous User 4/18/2020

Adolf von Henslet was a composer from Germany. His music is pretty good from what other commenters have said.

― Anonymous User 4/13/2020

Me and my grandmother think this name is cute, but, for obvious reasons, I would never name my own child Adolf. I know I shouldn't let that dictate what I name my child, but yeah, not my first name choice.

― JanessaV 4/2/2020

Adolf Hütter is the head coach of Eintracht Frankfurt. He goes by Adi and I don't blame him. I would still call him Coach Hütter though.

― Anonymous User 3/27/2020

My dad is Adolf, and so was his dad and his dad's dad. It's a family name for me and I like it very much. Good namesakes are composers Adolf von Henselt, Adolf Jensen and Adolphe Adam.

― Anonymous User 3/21/2020

I love this name! The great Adolf von Henselt makes it even better! ❤.

― Anonymous User 11/22/2019

A very nice name. Only reminds me of an old grandfather because it's very old fashioned.

― Anonymous User 11/18/2019

Sounds very harsh and dated. I don't like this name that much, although I adore the association with Adolf von Henselt. His music is very beautiful.

― Anonymous User 10/20/2019

My name is Adolf and I like it a lot. I was named to honor composer and pianist Adolf von Henselt. This name is perfectly fine and I hope it makes a comeback one day because it's a really good name with many good namesakes. There are musicians, scientists, architects and many other great people with this name and I'm proud to have the same name with them.

― Anonymous User 10/18/2019

Also Polish (though not used now for obvious reasons). [noted -ed]

― Anonymous User 10/17/2019

A nice nickname for Adolf could be Addy.

― Anonymous User 10/13/2019

Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, one of the greatest explorers of all time. He was the first European explorer who sailed through the Northeast Passage. He was a scientist, geologist and mineralogist too. He was a super cool man!

― Anonymous User 10/4/2019

My neighbor is named Adolf. He is a very kind, helpful and nice man and it's always very nice to talk to him. Everyone in our town calls him Addy. My associations with this name are only positive. :)

― Anonymous User 9/29/2019

Hitler's government murdered 6 million Jews, 5 million other undesirables, is responsible for a siege on Leningrad that killed a million people, as well being responsible for the 70 to 85 million deaths caused by World War 2. This name is not usual anymore, and if I met a boy named Adolf I would feel bad for the poor kid but also think his parents were white supremacists or something.

― Anonymous User 9/22/2019

-16

It's very stupid to think kids' parents are white supremacists just because their kid is named Adolf. It doesn't mean you are naming your child after Hitler if you name him Adolf. This name has many other namesakes after whom people can name their child Adolf. And people can use a name if they like it, without naming their child after someone.

― Anonymous User 11/27/2019

I really like the name Adolf. I especially like the French form Adolphe. It reminds me of a good looking and young gentleman. It also has many awesome namesakes - the great explorer Adolf Nordenskiöld, Saint Adolf, chess player Adolf Anderssen who is one of the best chess players of all time, the founder of "Adidas" Adolf Dassler, founder of "Paramount Pictures" Adolph Zukor, inventor of saxophone Adolphe Sax, one of the greatest composers of all time Adolphe Adam, president of France Adolphe Thiers, scientist Adolf von Baeyer who synthesized the indigo color, bioschemist Adolf Butenandt who was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry, composer and pianist Adolf von Henselt, composer Adolf Jensen, architects Adolf Loos and Adolf Cluss, who are both considered two of the greatest architects of all time and Adolf Busch, one of the greatest violinists of all time. Adolf is an awesome name!

― MrNameGuy250 9/14/2019

I know why Joseph is still being used and Adolf isn't. In my opinion it's because Joseph is a common name. If Adolf had been so widely used, it would not stick in peoples minds as Hitlers name. If he had been Joseph Hitler, people would have continued naming children Joseph. If Stalin had been Adolf Stalin, nobody would name their child Adolf because of the association.

― MrNameGuy250 9/6/2019

Adolphe Adam, sometimes also spelled Adolf Adam, one of the greatest composers of all time. Author of many beautiful works, including "Giselle", "Le Corsaire", "Le Toréador", "O Holy Night" and others.

― MrNameGuy250 9/5/2019

This is a good name. People shouldn't stop using the name just because of one person that had it. Naming your child Joseph doesn't mean that you're a fan of Stalin. And naming your child Adolf doesn't mean that you're a fan of Hitler. Hitler is not the only person named Adolf anyways.

― Anonymous User 9/5/2019

It's funny how Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin killed many more people than Hitler but nobody cares.

― Anonymous User 9/4/2019

This is actually a really nice name, and there were/are plenty of other Adolf's, but like many people said, the only person that comes to mind is Hitler. But if it was a more common name, I would be tempted to use it. For example, Josef. Who comes to mind is Josef Mengle (idk if I spelled it right, honestly, I don't want to) but Josef is a very common name, and if someone just says the name Josef, I don't think of it, but with the name Adolf, he immediately comes to mind.

― Anonymous User 8/22/2019

This comment section is one of the worst things I have ever seen. All of these debates are absolutely pointless. The name is the name. That's it. And Hitler never was, isn't and will never be the only Adolf.

― Anonymous User 8/16/2019

Adolf is honestly a great name with an awesome meaning and great history. I just wish it was more common back then, because then it would maybe not be so associated only with Hitler. Like, for example, Stalins name Joseph is still a very common name and people don't consider it an evil name, even though Stalin was in no way better than Hitler and actually killed even more people, and the indescribably brutal, evil, vile, sadistic, remorseless and monstrous things Stalin did, including even killing his own men and driving his own son and wife to suicide, which his son survived and at the end got kidnapped by Nazis, only for Stalin to give up on him and let his son be killed, as well as starving millions of people to death and sending them to work in Siberia where most of them did not survive and died a long, painful, horrible death has not left such a stain on this name just because the name is very popular and people associate it with more people, not only Stalin. If the name Joseph was less common it would maybe also face the same situation due to the unbelievably evil monster Stalin that was a bearer of the name.

― Anonymous User 8/9/2019

I don't understand why the other anonymous users comment down there is getting downvoted. If the name Joseph was less common back in the day it would be possible that it would face the same situation as the name Adolf, because for the name Joseph we have many more namesakes to associate the name with (including the biblical character), not only that monster Stalin. For Adolf we don't have that many, because the name was never really that common.

― MrNameGuy250 8/14/2019

Even without the association to one of the most evil monsters to ever walk the earth, this name is utterly ugly and harsh. Even if it weren't, it is ruined. Hitler was the mastermind of a genocide in which more than 11 million people were murdered (a number that doesn't even factor in all the people, soldiers and civilians alike, who died in WWII). To the person who said that people should be proud that Hitler tried to establish Germany as an empire: you are a disgusting, imbecilic slime ball who I hope never, ever reproduces.

― Anonymous User 8/4/2019

This name would sound okay if it wasn't for a human that ruined it.

― Anonymous User 7/17/2019

Adolf Hitler was a famous bearer of this name, and, as the namesake page says, he was an evildoer. He ruined the name, which is sad, as it is a nice name.

― Whippppppppp 5/26/2019

This name is officially condemned everywhere, I mean forever, especially after that monster, Hitler eradicated no less than 6 million people during the dreaded but tragic Holocaust, which we always will remember.

― RHAWK3935 5/6/2019

I think Adolf is a strong and handsome name.

― Anonymous User 4/27/2019

Even if WWII never existed, I still would've not liked this name.

― Anonymous User 4/9/2019

I would never name my child this, due to Adolf Hitler. He completely destroyed this name!

― Anonymous User 3/26/2019

Adolf alone is a pleasant name that could have potential in the next five decades from now. When the memories of such horrific events are confined to the history text books and first eye witness accounts shall be long deceased, then I could see a rebound for this said name. Right now, in the final year of the 21st century’s second decade, I would advise any parent to think very carefully on the wisdom of having this name for their progeny. Especially if they are living in the USA, Western Europe, or Israel. I would not pick this name for my child for the exact reasons stated in the previous comments before me.

― Anonymous User 1/21/2019

I don’t hate the name Adolf, but ever since Adolf Hitler struck, it would be shameful to saddle this on a kid without others screaming “murderer”, “racist”, or “NAZI!”! Maybe Hitler would be a cute name for a kid who grows up to be a sequel of Hitler. If you decide to use this name for your child, do it! But in this day and age, It would lead him to teasing potential 100%.

― Anonymous User 12/31/2018

-3

Even if this wasn't Hitler's name, it's still a hideous name.

― Luvbug86 9/6/2018

Many Jews had this name before Adolf Hitler was globally known.

― saranade 7/28/2018

Despite the association, I still love this name.

― Anonymous User 7/17/2018

In modern Russia probably the most famous bearer is Adolf Solomonovich Shayevich which was Soviet Union's Chief Rabbi and stayed one of the Chief Rabbi (the other one is Berel Lazar) till today.

― Amalek 7/12/2018

To all those people comparing Stalin to Hitler; It's really not the same. While Stalin was sadistic and cruel, Hitler did something that doesn't compare itself to anything. He designed and masterminded a sophisticated, organized machine and killed moms, dads, husbands, wives, babies and children, why? Because they were Jewish.
And yes, Stalin was an animal; he was a sadist and was terribly cruel but he compares, unfortunately to many, many other dictators. Think about it; would someone associate the name Kim with Kim Jong Un of North Korea?
What Hitler did was unprecedented; Doesn't have the likes in history, and that's what makes the name completely useless.

― Prime Meridian 6/14/2018

Impossible for me to like this name. He slaughtered six million of my people!

― Prime Meridian 6/13/2018

Pretty nice name. Adolf Hitler definitely made this name unusable however. Shame, as it had so much potential.

― GiJeff 2/3/2018

Adolf Eichmann, but he was born Otto Adolf Eichmann.

― Anonymous User 1/13/2018

This name had potential that was tragically destroyed. I really like this name, but the association with Hitler is too much to ignore. Adolf Hitler was one of, if not the most horrible, sadistic, cruel, remorseless, and ultimately hated people in the world's history.
Adolf. The name that could have been great, but was ruined by a racist and genocidal horror figure.

― Official Name Critic 11/19/2017

I really dislike this name because of Hitler. If I had to name someone this name I'd rather use Adolph.

― PickleJuice 11/16/2017

-2

This is the worst, most hideous name ever! Even if Hitler didn't have that name, it still sounds dumb. No offense, anybody.

― Joanah Johnson 6/19/2017

-9

Now, if Hitler had never done the things he did, I bet the bad regards for this name because of Hitler wouldn't exist. Other than the nefarious Nazi, however, I still dislike the pronunciation and spelling of the name, so I'd never use it. The meaning is cool, though.

― Anonymous User 3/5/2017

Adolf Ziegler was a German painter and politician. He was tasked by the Nazi Party to oversee the purging of what the Nazi Party described as "degenerate art", by most of the German modern artists. He was Hitler's favourite painter.

― lilolaf 3/4/2017

Adolf H. Lundin was an independent oil and mining Swedish entrepreneur.

― lilolaf 3/4/2017

Wow. So many incredibly insensitive comments. Still blown away by the guy calling the Holocaust a "little event." There are still plenty of Holocaust survivors alive today, how lovely of you to remind them of the man that ordered the massacre of their families and their horrific torture. Will this name be usable in the future, 200 hundred years from now, when this becomes history to everyone on the planet? Maybe. But seriously, it hasn't even been a hundred years since the Holocaust and it's incredibly insensitive and ignorant to think your child will not be stigmatized by his name.

As for the Josef Stalin arguement, the name name Josef/ Joseph has been so common for so many centuries across many cultures and launguages, and there have been many other famous people named Joseph, so that is why Stalin is not someone's first association. However, Adolf is distinctly Germanic and therfore foreign to other cultures not related to German, which is why it stands out like a sore thumb in history and in the present. Just enough with that argument already.

― Quro 3/3/2017

Adolf Dassler was the founder of the German sportswear company Adidas, and the younger brother of Rudolf Dassler, founder of Puma.

― cutenose 2/27/2017

It's very unfortunate that this name had to be tarnished by Adolf Hitler. It was obviously a very noble name to have before the 20th century, but now it's pretty much illegal to even speak about this man in a good way (which makes sense considering his crimes).

― SolidSnuck 1/27/2017

A woman named her son Adolf Hitler and CPS took the kid away.

― Luvbug86 1/26/2017

In 1890, Adolf was in thirteenth place in Germany. (Source: http://www.beliebte-vornamen.de/jahrgang/j1890).

― cutenose 1/18/2017

Hitler hardly ruined this name.
'Adolf' in my opinion is beautiful sounding and I envy anyone with parents wonderful enough to give it to them.
I find it quite amusing how people let words rule them. They are words. Adolf is similar to how swear words are often taboo to say around the older generation.

Ultimately I understand one's concern over naming their child Adolf. There will be questions from adults who meet them, and in history class they might get teased. HOWEVER it is not in any way, shape, or form a sinful act to name your child Adolf.
In fact, teasing and having to deal with adult ignorance will help to build your child into an intelligent and resilient young man.

― Pellinor 1/3/2017

Too bad that Hitler ruined this name.

― Anonymous User 12/23/2016

If this named wasn't forever tied to Hitler it might be usable. Ever since WWII, this name was rarely used. Naming your child this or bearing the name might trigger some bad reactions. Even though the meaning is wonderful.

― ERK 11/27/2016

A famous bearer of this name is French president (Third Republic) Adolphe Thiers (1797-1877) [president in 1871-1873]. There is also a famous French Jewish politician: Adolphe Crémieux (1796-1880). The French write this name "Adolphe" but it's pronounced exactly the same way in German or Swedish. The French never pronounce the "e" they put at the end of words.

― Maxine J. Rolland 11/4/2016

Did you know that Hitler's middle name is "Jakob"!

― Maxine J. Rolland 11/4/2016

Also a Hungarian name. Pronounced: AW-dolf. [noted -ed]

― HerculePoirot 7/22/2016

Saying you shouldn't name a kid Adolf because of Hitler is like saying you shouldn't name a kid Benito because of Mussolini, that you shouldn't name a kid Joseph or Josef because of Stalin, or that you shouldn't name a kid Heinrich because of Himmler. Adolf is a fine name with a lovely meaning, and there is nothing wrong about naming your kid that.

― Keznen 5/31/2016

This name wasn't common since the forties because of a certain person. A person that was evil, devious, insane, hateful, and caused World War II.
I will admit, Noble Wolf is a great meaning. Rudolph is better than Adolf. An above user mentioned they liked Hitler, but that doesn't mean everyone does. (That's the first time that I ever heard that)
P.S. They would have a hard time taking Rudolph seriously, and maybe tease him.
If an Adolf wanted a job, who would hire him? Not if they were Jewish, or disliked Hitler.
If an Adolf was your server would he get the same tip? Not if you were Jewish, or disliked Hitler.
Get it? Adolf would be judged because of his name.

― Eileen1209864 5/6/2016

Why do Nazis always ruin everything? They even ruin names.

― Anonymous User 5/5/2016

Adolf is an awesome name. Almost as great as Wolfgang.

― zigzzagz 3/21/2016

Well, to be completely honest, I have researched Hitler's motives, and I know why he did everything that he did, but the name is still on an eternal verboten. This name just reeks of racism and nationalism to me now.

― Anonymous User 2/11/2016

-6

I love the meaning of the name. Too bad one can't use it anymore. The person with this name would be persecuted.

― TheAnonimy 1/31/2016

Not only that, but your son could potentially grow up to be an evil piece of flesh. I bet nobody wants that.

― Oleg Karachi 1/10/2016

-10

AY YI YI! NO!

I am not Jewish, nor am I homosexual (although I am asexual), but I actually have some German ancestry. I hinted at this during a class discussion, and some raw boned idiot turned around and said,

"Oh, so your parents are Nazis. Are you one too? I'll bet you--"

He didn't finish because I had thrown a chair at him. This incident ruined this name for me, and made me a little annoyed. I was strongly against anything related to, or anyone respecting, Hitler. Why would you name your kid after, or even respect, a person who launched the world into a violent war, senselessly killed millions of people for being what they were, and demanded obedience to his psychotic view?

Rudolf is better, but not Adolf. I can't fathom why anyone would name their kid after him. Hitler deserved to be horse-whipped, poisoned, drawn and quartered, blown to bits and shut in a furnace, for doing all that and taking the coward's way out of punishment.

But I will admit, it has a good meaning. But if you want "noble wolf" to be the kid's etymology, choose Rudolf/Rudolph. But if you insist on this, use a different version and pronounce it differently. I knew an Adolphe, who pronounced it ay-DOHLF. It didn't stop the raw boned idiots, though, but it was a valiant effort.

― Amedee Lupien 9/6/2015

Adolf K. Weismann, nicknamed Adi and also known as Yashiro Isana, is the protagonist of the anime/manga series K.

― PhantomWolf64 8/24/2015

I feel everyone has the right to use this name, people still use the name Joseph as in Joseph Stalin. Did he ruin that name? No, because it is a more common name. You could take any person who has done bad things toward anything and take hatred toward their name? If I did have a son and I did like the name Adolf I would name him that with no regret and no relativity in Adolf Hitler. Same with Joseph.

― AdolfKing101 8/10/2015

The name isn't that bad. I never hated it or anything. Every time I think of it though, I think of Hitler. Then I feel worse when I giggle like a little girl about it. I wouldn't use the name myself for.. reasons... but it's not a hated name of mine. It's more neutral than anything for me.

― UltimateTheZekrom 7/12/2015

Personally, I think this name is incredibly unattractive and would never use it. When you add to that the Hitler association? No. Just no. The child named this would have to go through hell their entire life. I think the whole "murder of 11 million people, 6 million Jews" thing is what puts people off this name.

If I met someone named Adolf, sure I might think of Hitler at first, but I'd be able to separate that association from the actual person. Some, if not most people don't have this ability, so Young Adolf would have a HARD time in life. Let's leave this name alone for about 20 more years, then come back and decide if it'll be worth it.

― Kathy D. 6/7/2015

My best friend is named Adolf and he is the most sweetest and kindest person you will ever come across. Growing up, I always called him "Wolf". He didn't really come across any problems at school (we live in France, right now) and there is a small percent of Jewish people. It is really ignorant to tie a name to a person. Anyways, people should move on, it was a thing of the past and history is just that, history. In about twenty years, people really won't care. I mean it is better than naming your child Apple or Blue. And plus, noble wolf is the cutest meaning for a name.

― FameInBattle 8/16/2014

Move on from the Holocaust? Little event? Maybe you should talk to Holocaust survivors and ask if seeing members of their family be slaughtered and being the subjects of cruel medical experiments and being subject to grueling labor in order to live, almost starving, and not even being treated like a human is a little event. Half of the Jews in Europe died, along with Polish people, Roma people, people with differing political views, and everyone that was thought of as inferior. This isn't something most people will overlook.

― Anonymous User 12/18/2019

Honestly, I don't see any reason why this name shouldn't be used. Yes, it's the name of a famous dictator, but so is Josef/Joseph (Stalin), Vladimir (Lenin), Robert (Mugabe), Fidel & Raul (Castro), Oliver (Cromwell), Napoleon (Bonaparte), and Benito (Mussolini) to name a few. If these names can be used without much controversy (if any), why not Adolf?

― njm222 8/9/2014

I actually really like this name, I think it has a great meaning and I like how it sounds. Unfortunately this name is NEVER used where I live because of the association with one of the single most hated people in the universe, Adolf Hitler. It's a shame, why couldn't his name be Bert Hitler, or some other name that everyone hates? Long story short, this name is forever ruined and unusable because of him. But for all of you fans of the name, there's is still Adolph, though I would still only uses it as a middle name.

― Cosmicdaze 6/20/2014

I'm german and it's correct that the name is no longer used in Germany (maybe some families do it "hidden" as a second or third name). But seriously, there are so many many bad people on this planet, people who rape children etc. Which I would consider the same bad as the "H-opath". And what about all the people who actually did the killings FOR the H-opath? They had all kinds of names which are still used. The person who led the line of jewish people into the gaschambers might have been Johann! And HOW MANY John's do we have on this planet and every year a few more? So even if I'm not a big fan of the name Adolf, simply because I don't like the sound of it, it's still an old name which was used for many generations before H-opath lived and had it! It should be used as it always was if somebody likes it!

― ms. c 5/7/2014

I'm really sad this name is taboo. I really like it. Then again, I like a lot of names that have to do with wolves and dogs, like Connor. I hope some day that this name will be washed away from its bad connotation and regain popularity. Because before WWII, it was a very, very popular German name.

Also, for those saying Hitler was the worst person ever because of the numbers he killed and thus his name should be banned, you guys need to brush up on your history. Stalin killed and Mao killed way more people, heck, Stalin starved an ENTIRE NATION, but their names are not taboo.

― EkiAku 4/17/2014

Actually it is sad that this name is a taboo now. There were so many people bearing this name before Hitler. Even a Jewish politician in France, Adolf Cremie.

― Yanivoskar 4/9/2014

I'd like to see Adolf come back into mainstream usage. It's a nice name and it shouldn't be forever tainted because of one person.

― GoodNightingale 9/15/2013

Adolf Topić is a famous Croatian musician. Named after Adolf Hitler. Seriously! :o

― Iznogud 7/23/2013

Most of people who have posted their opinions of this name, Adolf, were born in the 90s, which explains the general predictability, ignorance and immaturity of the comments.

Adolf is a fine name.

Someone cannot "ruin" a name. The name is independent of the actions performed by those who bore it. A name can only be [stupidly] ASSOCIATED with those actions and it is the choice of the individual whether he/she wants to make that association. It is those who make this association that are holding back the progress of human reasoning, and they should please grow up.

To all the Germans who post things like "I like the name, but Hitler ruined it, argghh.." etc.: Because you lost the war you were forced by the Allies into this self-hating mindset. You don't have to be so politically correct. Adolf can be tolerated from a different angle, e.g. for wanting to make you big, vast, powerful and eternally materially and culturally prosperous, just like what the English kings did for the Anglophone people throughout centuries of incessant warfare. You never hear them being ashamed of names like "George; Richard; Winston" etc.; it's because they won, ruled the world, wrote history, control all media and thus they don't have anyone sitting on their heads today. I understand the sensitivity about what happened to the Jews, but understand, Hitler's name could have been anything - Tom, Dick or even Harry. The point is, the name should not be condemned - this is primitive thinking.

Avoid the name if you live in a Jewish area or in the USA. Adolf is still to ingrained in the US's cultural heritage as a main enemy, even though his status as such is debated by historians. If you and your spouse are "large" and you will be having a 7 feet tall son, then go ahead and call him Adolf - no one will be able to touch him - on the contrary, it might even make him quite popular.

If you live in places like South Africa, Scandinavia, South America, Asia, people will in general be completely neutral to the name.

Anyway, Adolf is a nice name. A bit archaic though, like Edgar, Charles and Reginald, but still nice if you like retro, archaic names.

― queer boy 7/23/2013

Meh, I prefer Rudolf. Rudolf is far more interesting than the bland Adolf.

The heated debates in this comment section is killing me!

― Tiger Lilly 6/23/2013

I am German and I really love this name! It is a beautiful boy's name! But however, I wouldn't name my child this because Adolf Hitler ruined it, which is quite a shame.

― MeinNameIstMelissa 4/29/2013

You'd have to be crazy to name your kid this. It would remind people of Hitler, his little mustache, and his mental illness.

― Lolth 4/28/2013

-5

I'd feel bad for anyone with this name. No one wants to share a name with Hitler, I'm sure.

― Buneary 3/5/2013

-4

I'm pretty sure Stalin spelled his name Josef, and the name Joseph is way too common to be associated with just one person, and most schoolchildren, and probably some of their parents, have never even heard of Stalin. So no, naming your child Adolf is not equivalent to naming him Joseph.

― Anonymous User 2/6/2013

Adolf is a horrible name. I feel sorry for all the Adolfs because we all know who ruined it. If you named a child Adolf, they will get teased and left out by the Jewish kids they meet. They may think your child is mean... WHEN THEY MIGHT NOT BE! Let's hope there will be no more people following the original Adolfs example!

― Melys11 1/11/2013

-9

I LOVE this name, but I probably wouldn't use it because of Hitler. No offense if this is your name, and if it is, I truly do love it. I wish that Adolf Hitler's parents had named him something else so that more people could have this amazing name.

― StarMoon 12/29/2012

Adolf (1571-1572) was the son of Augustus, Elector of Saxony and his wife Anna of Denmark.

― CarolinW 6/21/2012

Adolf (1292-1294) was the son of the German King Adolf of Nassau and his wife Imagina of Isenburg-Limburg.

― CarolinW 6/17/2012

Adolf was the son of King Frederik I of Denmark and his wife Sophie.

― CarolinW 6/13/2012

I wouldn't name my child this. Maybe in a century or two, when World War 2 becomes pure history, it will be more or less okay to use again, but not yet.
For those that are saying that deeming this name as evil is like saying not to name children after other corrupted people and politicians, I think one or two people mentioned Joseph Stalin and George Bush. I think it's mostly because Joseph and George have had several famous bearers that result in people being comfortable with using the names even today. For example, the name George has had George Washington (and George Washington Carver), George Sands, many monarchs throughout history, George Lopez... you get the idea. Joseph has also had many bearers, predominantly Biblical figures (the son of Jacob and Jesus's earthly father, to name two).
Adolf, on the other hand... I really can't think of any famous Adolf apart from Adolf Hitler. Perhaps this is biased due to the fact that there is still much bitterness (and there likely will be forever) and his name is just overshadowing others, but that's how it stands.

― Anonymous User 12/22/2011

Personally, even taking away Hitler from one's impression of the name, I don't like the sound of it.

That said, I actually had a class with a boy named Adolf last year. He was a really nice guy studying for something like sports medicine. I admit to wondering if I had heard the teacher wrong when she first said it, but you get over it quick. Obviously we didn't look at him suspiciously as though he was about to start spewing Nazi propaganda. So if you really love this name and want to use it, rest assured, a normal guy who is confident and nice can result.

― B22 10/4/2011

-2

To the user who said so, Adolf Hitler is MUCH badder than Stalin. Hitler killed SIX MILLION Jews. One of his goals was to make everyone perfect, so he had people measured (nose length, distance between eyes, etc.) and if it didn't fit a standard they where cut (and whatever else was done) to shape them into the standard. If a baby had a birth defect, they probably would have been killed. Some children were sterilized. Nazis advertised that Jews were evil. Jewish businesses were vandilized. Jews had to hide to keep from being crammed into trucks and sent to consentration camps. They would be worked, without food or showers. They would be gassed, burned, or chemical showered to death. All because of Adolf Hitler. Anyone who says the Holocaust is a "little event" or that Adolf Hitler is only as bad as Stalin is very, very wrong. I know you wish it couldn't be ruined by such an evil man, but it was, and there's not a single thin you can do about it. If you give your child this name, not only will he be bullied as a child, but think of adulthood! Who wants to marry a man named Adolf? Who wants to hire a man who shares a name with someone so evil and horrible? He will most likely have to live at home with mommy until he's 40, unemployed and single.

― C-Ticket 7/26/2011

Adolf Eichmann was a German Nazi, known as the "architect of the Holocaust". He was in charge of the deportation of Jews during the war.

― bathos 10/11/2010

I agree with the sane people here. That is, the people who like the name Adolf and ignore the fact one politician who is not well liked bore this name.

The stereotyping is HILARIOUS though. XD People who think naming someone Adolf means you idolize Hitler is hilarious. If I name my kid Joseph, does that mean I idolize Stalin? Didn't think so.

― Anonymous User 9/30/2010

Great meaning! Too bad it had to be ruined by, well, you know.

― Chrila96 8/6/2010

I think it's a lovely name. Shame it's probably ruined forever.

― Liesl 2/11/2010

I don't think this is an attractive name - it sounds like a cross between "a dolt" and "doofus".

However, I also think it would be stupid to not use the name (if you liked it) because of something that happened a long time ago. It's really just giving more power to the memory of Adolf Hitler, that we're still too frightened to use his name. (I mean, what is he, Voldemort?)

I also know someone called Adolf, and the name hasn't been a problem for him at all, so it's just not true that being called Adolf will somehow "ruin" a child's life or reputation.

― SandSea 1/28/2010

I think it would be a good name for a Jewish child, because it would be an attempt to take over the name of a dictator and make it their own.

― angolmois 12/10/2009

-13

I love the meaning of this name, but the sound of the name itself is a little ordinary for my taste. I don't really care how it's spelled, though. Adolf and Adolph are interchangeable as far as I'm concerned.

As for its association with Hitler, I say we don't give that anti-theistic nutcase the satisfaction of ruining a perfectly good name. Even during the Holocaust there were Orthodox Jews who refused to let their surname, Hitler, be forever ruined just because they shared it with some egotistical maniac who likely wasn't even related to them by blood anyway. They retained their surname through the course of the war.* If the Jews of all people believe that the name Hitler can be redeemed, then the name Adolf certainly can be as well.

*"The Pastor's Wife," by Sabina Wurmbrand. Sabina had some cousins who raised a few eyebrows among the Soviets because of their last name. It took some fast talking to convince the Soviets that they were far from the relatives or supporters of Adolf Hitler that their surname might otherwise imply.

― Atarah Derek 11/7/2009

P.S. Whoever said Hitler was anti-theistic is wrong. Hitler was Roman Catholic.

― Anonymous User 9/30/2010

Name by itself is nice, but Hitler ruined it.

― enchy 8/10/2009

That's a hot, sexy name. =p~

― Golde 5/24/2009

-11

Famous Wehrmacht Luftwaffe flying ace General Adolf Galland bore this name.

― Tiger59 4/29/2009

I don't see how Hitler would "ruin" the name. Joseph is still a commonly used name, and Stalin was just as bad as Hitler.

― Anonymous User 4/15/2009

It really scares me that someone would name their child Adolf Hitler after what he has done. The name alone may be sort of nice, and its origins are completely innocent. But honestly, let's be realistic. People, especially children, don't care about its origins. As soon as they learn his name, they automatically associate it with Adolf Hitler, the murderer of millions. Imagine the child's shock when he first learns that he has the same name as a terrorist!
My point is, even if the name in itself is nice, you have to realize that people can be very shallow and insensitive when it comes to these things.

― Quincy 2/19/2009

-2

Adolf Hitler Campbell is a child from New Jersey. He hasn't done anything to make himself particularly famous, except for having a singularly unfortunate name and having a father (a Holocaust denier, naturally) who requested his name be iced onto a birthday cake at the supermarket. That news has been reported the world over. Hopefully little Adolf will distinguish himself in better ways than his namesake.

― marauder34 12/30/2008

Adolf Hitler. Need I say more?

― CutieCupcake 10/12/2008

-6

Why must nearly everyone dwell on this one little event? Just because one man who bore this name became an ruthless dictator, you all suddenly call it abuse to name a child this. It's almost sad, that you must all dwell on the past in such a way. Any person who picks on a child with this name, would probably be a shallow creature in the first place, that does not think before acting. Just because someone who did something horrible, had that name, does not mean that this child will be the same, or that his/her parents intended them to be. You don't look at people with the name "Joseph", and then start heckling him, just because he had the same name as Stalin.
It is a beautiful name, it's just a pity that everyone is just too ignorant to see it.

― BlackMartian923 9/20/2008

-22

Your comparison is absurd. The holocaust was no "little event." What's more, Joseph is a common name. If Adolf had been so widely used, it would not stick in people's minds as Hitler's first name. If he had been Bob Hitler, people would have continued naming children that. If Stalin had been Sneed Stalin, nobody would name their child that. Because of the association.

I think the name has an ugly sound to it, like Rudolph.

― MoonAgeDaydreamer 11/23/2008

Who names their son this anymore? It's not only cruel because of Hitler, but it's also very ugly! Thankfully some nations have struck this from their name day calendars. There are plenty of beautiful lesser-used names on the calendars, but Adolf is one that I would avoid using on anything.

― bananarama 8/8/2008

-6

I don't see why everyone thinks this is name is all but taboo now. Yes, there was a bad man who bore this name, but there have been numerous other bad men with names still in common usage. Take for example, Joseph Stalin, he did a lot of bad things, but Joseph is still one of the most common male names today.

― Anonymous User 7/8/2008

I don't like the name Adolf. First off, it just doesn't sound good. Secondly, it never fails to remind me of our little Nazi friend sent straight from H-E-double hockey sticks.
Seriously, all you people who want to name your kid Adolf to disprove (or whatever) this name: DON'T! You are only sentencing that child to a lifetime of mockery and abuse. Amen.

― Anonymous User 7/2/2008

I think this is a really cool name, but the Hitler association is too strong. It makes you wonder though, if Hitler had not done what he did, this name may have ended up really popular.

― Joan-Ay 6/25/2008

The middle name of Homer Aldoph Plessy, from the US historical case Plessy vs. Ferugson. Also the first name of the person who invented Adidas.

― dreamflower 5/26/2008

Even IF Hitler hadn't ruined this name, it still sounds stupid.

― sweetkit 3/25/2008

The meaning of this name is good, but Hilter COMPLETELY ruined it for me.

― aquaspirit96 3/13/2008

Obviously, when one says Adolf, the image of Adolf Hitler comes to mind most often. The meaning is beautiful, however, and I will not be bothered by the fact that a lunatic was so named. My grandfather carried the name Adolphus, and he and his wife hid that fact from the world after Hitler's rein. When I learned that such a grand name stood ground in my family's history, I proudly proclaimed it to the world, boasting of the honor in its meaning. I refuse to let Hitler ruin such a wonderful thing for me; that is the last thing I want to do: to give Hitler another victory, even in his death.

― kaistuck 2/21/2008

I do not know how anyone could want to name their baby Adolf after what happened during the Holocaust, unless of course they were a neo Nazi, that is really the only reason that makes sense to me. You name children after people you respect, who on earth respects Hitler in the right mind?

― ocean eyes 1/29/2008

-2

Adolf Sax - the man who invented the saxophone. Too someone ruined it because it was also the name of an inventor whose instrument I play!

― Anonymous User 10/25/2007

I like the name, but I guess Mr. H ruined it for all of us.

― Anonymous User 9/26/2007

I, personally, am not bothered by the whole "ruined by Hitler" thing. I think this is a good name, however I prefer Adolph, and also, I'd use it as a middle name only if I did use it because of people and kids teasing him and giving him hell for his name.

― spaz123 8/28/2007

Famous bearers of the name Adolf are:
Painter and graphic artist Adolf Born, born 12th June 1930, České Velenice, Czechoslovakia.
Writer Adolf Branald, born 4th October 1910, Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary.

― Janika 7/15/2007

Also a masculine name in Slovenia.

― earthnut 7/2/2007

As infamous as Adolf Hitler was and is, he still is not the first person I think of when I hear this name. Who I think of is my great uncle, who was a very good man and a polar opposite of the evil man the whole rest of the world associates this name with.

It's sad that people will continue to allow a mere name to have such power over them. But I guess that's life.

― Anonymous User 5/18/2007

This name sounds so strong and sexy, if you try not to think of Hitler, but yeah; strong, sexy.

― Jesus_Freak 4/6/2007

Yes I do agree that Adolf would be a nice name but unfortunately if you do choose to name your child this people will immediately think that you or he is a Nazi. People just think that way. If I were to make a stand for the name I would do it through myself and not force that name upon my child; that is something they would have to do for themselves if they so choose. The name will probably regain popularity in a hundred years or so, so it isn't entirely dead.

― nerder5000 2/19/2007

This is a horrible name anyway, never mind the whole 'ruined by Hitler' thing. Does it not make you think of 'Rudolph'? It always has to me.

― Surreal 2/13/2007

-7

I guess I'm going against the majority here by saying that I absolutely love the name Adolf. Hitler was a horrible, twisted person - I still love the name and would like to see it used more often.

― ThaliaRose 1/27/2007

Just because ONE WRONG POLITICIAN bore this name does not mean every boy with this name will turn out to be an evil dictator. I mean come on - don't let one man put you off a PERFECTLY good name. It's like saying "come on world, let's not name our children George or Tony, because look what they've done to this place".

― Anonymous User 12/8/2006

I agree that Hitler has forever tainted this name with a stain of blood that will never wash away. And I think it's a shame too. I'm not crazy for the name myself, but it was a well-liked, relatively popular name in Germany and other places before our crazy moustached friend came along. What would have happend to worldwide naming trends if he was named something common in the UK and US, like Peter or Erik? Or Hans, which seems to be almost the "default" name in Germany? It's just the luck of the draw that this one particular Adolf turned out to be no good. I don't agree that spelling it with a ph makes it any better, it's still pronounced the same way, and there's Adolph's Meat Tenderizer to think about. :) I actually did meet an Adolf once: when I was sixteen and going through the process to become emancipated, I had to undergo a psychological evaluation, and the counselor who did the evaluation was Adolf Angermeyer. So you can bet I was a little wary of him at first. But he was a totally nice and pleasant man who bore no resemblance to the picture his name conjured up. He didn't even have a German accent. I still wonder about his mother's motivations, though.

― Starla Roxanne 9/4/2006

I have noticed an error under the name of Adolf Hitler being a facist dictator, he indeed was NOT facist. Mussolini was facist. Between 1933-1945 the Third Reich was a NATIONAL SOCIALIST government.

In no way did Adolf Hitler perverse the historical rememberance of the name. I still believe it is a beautiful name as is the world famous bearer of the man who brought Germany out of ruins after WWI. Even America had him in TIMES magazine for Man of the Year. I plan to name my first born boy Adolf.

― VictoryCrown 8/19/2006

-35

Regarding VictoryCrown's comments that Hitler was not a Fascist:
Dictionary: Fascism. noun, Authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing government and social organisation. Extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practice.

Thankfully Germany is now a leading democracy within the EU and should be allowed to put the Fascist Nazi and Hitler years behind it. But we forget what happened in history at our peril. PS: Hitler was Austrian, and like the Italians may need to reflect on their own history a little more. As for the name Adolf, there are plenty of better ones. Winston?

― Anonymous User 9/7/2006

I am deeply shocked. For the sake of your first born boy I hope you will either change your mind or never have a boy.

No sane parents in Germany would name their child Adolf. However there is no law against it in Germany. Many people don't understand that but there is an explanation: In Germany you are allowed to name your baby any name if you find one person who already bears the name. Decades ago, men have been named Adolf after their godfathers, so finding an old man named Adolf wouldn't be so difficult in Germany. Still I have never met any Adolfs younger than 50.

― JHK 9/2/2006

I would not ever want this name because Hitler ruined it!

― Sarasponda 8/9/2006

Saying the name Adolf wasn't ruined by Hitler is like saying Hitler was kinda nice. IT ISN'T TRUE! Hitler ruined the name. Forever.

― Anonymous User 8/7/2006

Hey. I bet you guys didn't know this one, Adolf Hitler? Hmm. Haha.

― Anonymous User 8/7/2006

Since, like everyone was talking about, Hitler ruined this name, I do like the alternative Adolph! I think it's a nice name. UNLIKE Adolf Hitler, who was the most cruel man ever!

― ekatz7 7/12/2006

-1

There was a Swedish king named Adolf Fredrik (he went by both names). He lived 1710-1771 and became king of Sweden in 1751, due to the influence of the Russian empress Elisabet.

― Ylva 6/10/2006

I agree! However, had it not been for Adolf Hitler, I would like the name. Isn't it sad, sometimes, how one or two people can ruin a perfectly good name forever? Everytime I hear this name, I can't help but shudder and think of Hitler.

― avalah 5/24/2006

I am German so I naturaly love this name but Hitler SCREWED IT UP! I love wolves so I love the name and it means noble wolf that is my username. I picked it because I did not want to be accosiated with, uhhhrg...Hitler.

― Noble Wolf 4/7/2006

I heard of the name before I knew of Hitler and his actions, and I didn't think that it was a wonderful name to start with (although "Noble Wolf" sounds like a good title for my dog, but I would consider it animal abuse to give him such a name as this). I think of the names "George" (for Dubya), "Dick" (for Cheney), "Jerry" (Falwell), "Fred" (Phelps), "Phyllis" (Schlafly), "Ann" (Coulter), and "Anita" (Bryant) (among other names) in the same manner as I think of "Adolf": evil and corrupt ("George" conjuring up the image of a bumbling fool who can't take care of a place in line). But I digress. If it wasn't for Hitler, then this name would probably not draw much notice. All I can see when I hear "Adolf" is this tiny little man with a little black moustache, beady eyes, and the nastiest-looking face that one could find.

― Anonymous User 3/20/2006

-9

This is a beautiful name. But somebody (Hmm...I wonder. Let's take a guess.) ruined it. It's a shame.

― Anonymous User 3/15/2006

I AGREE! Hitler totally ruined this name! Everytime I think of Adolf, I think of a dude with a little square mustache. Hitler was definitely the evilest man in world history and the meanest ever.

― Anonymous User 3/3/2006

-3

I cannot say that it is regretable that this name is now a Taboo. Hitler was, of course, evil, and, just like naming a child Satan or Lucifer or Beezlebub (despite these all being stupid names), naming a child Adolf cannot be justified. I personally think that this name has been ruined forever by Hitler and although this may have been originally a normal name, the connotations brought up by this name are just too powerful to be ignored. I would doubt the morality of such a person, who, knowing the bearer of this name, would go on to name their child Adolf. No matter how good a name, the truth is that this name is shared one of the most evil and corrupt men to walk the earth in modern times.

― Anonymous User 2/3/2006

Some nations (France and Norway for example) have otlawed the usage of this name after World War II. In Sweden it is a royal name and therefor hard to omit from calendars. Adolf still has his namesday, but it is only occasionally given as a middle name.

― Anonymous User 12/17/2005

Comments are left by users of this website. They are not checked for accuracy.

Add a Comment