ROLF
Rolf
Origin and Meaning
Rolf is a surname of Scandinavian origin, deriving from the Old Norse personal name "Hrólfr". It is believed to mean "fame-wolf", combining the elements "hrōðr" (fame) and "úlfr" (wolf). The name Rolf has been anglicised from its original Scandinavian form, which is commonly found in countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Rolf is less common compared to other British surnames, with the majority of individuals bearing this name found in regions with historical ties to Scandinavia. In the United Kingdom, Rolf is a relatively rare surname, with most occurrences concentrated in areas with a higher prevalence of Scandinavian heritage, such as East Anglia and North Yorkshire.
Historical Significance
The history of the Rolf surname can be traced back to the era of the Viking invasions in Britain, when Scandinavian settlers arrived in the region. Many individuals with the surname Rolf can trace their ancestry to these early Viking settlers who adopted the name as a sign of their lineage and heritage.
Notable Individuals
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Rolf Harris (1930-): A prominent Australian entertainer who gained fame in the UK with his television shows. However, he became a controversial figure due to his criminal convictions.
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Rolf Lassgård (1955-): A Swedish actor known for his roles in Scandinavian films and television series, gaining international recognition for his portrayal of Inspector Kurt Wallander in the Swedish TV series based on Henning Mankell's novels.
Trivia
- The name Rolf has various spelling variations, including Rolfe and Rolph, reflecting the diverse ways in which the surname has been recorded throughout history.
There are approximately 584 people named Rolf in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Rolf.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- John
- Keith
- Martin
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Philip
- Thomas
Female
- Alison
- Caroline
- Emma
- Gemma
- Helen
- Jane
- Joanne
- Linda
- Lucy
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Susan