Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Wolfgang
BoyGerman, Germanic· “wolf path”
- Meaning
- wolf path
- Origin
- German, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- WUULF-gang
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,519
- US babies 2025
- 115
- Best rank
- #1,282 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Wolfgang
Wolfgang is a German and Germanic name that means “wolf path”.
Wolfgang is a German name made from elements meaning wolf and path or way, often explained as wolf path. It was borne by Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, a tenth-century bishop. The name is famous through composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, two towering figures of European culture. In English-speaking countries it has a bold, distinctive feel, both classic and a little daring. It is usually pronounced WOOLF-gang. Wolf and Wolfie are playful nicknames.
Popularity over time
Wolfgang first appears in US Social Security records in 1929. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,282 in 2019, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 148 were named Wolfgang. In 2025, 115 babies were named Wolfgang, and it ranked #1,519 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,673 in 1950, #6,225 in 1980, #2,012 in 2000, #2,009 in 2010, and #1,519 in 2025. Of the 3,220 US boys named Wolfgang since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 786 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Malikai, Henri, Axle, Nikola, and Akiva.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Wolfgang ranked highest in California, New Jersey, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1147 | 18 |
| New Jersey | #1174 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1258 | 6 |
| Illinois | #1273 | 6 |
| Texas | #1408 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Wolfgang is usually pronounced WUULF-gang, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with W and ends in “-ng”.
Middle names for Wolfgang
A few middle names that flow with Wolfgang: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Wolfgang
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Lists that include Wolfgang
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wolfgang mean?
Wolfgang is a German and Germanic name that means “wolf path”.
What is the origin of the name Wolfgang?
Wolfgang has German and Germanic roots. Wolfgang is a German name made from elements meaning wolf and path or way, often explained as wolf path.
Is Wolfgang a popular name?
Not especially. Wolfgang ranked #1,519 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Wolfgang a boy or girl name?
Wolfgang is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Wolfgang?
Wolfgang is usually pronounced WUULF-gang. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings