The nameWolfgang
Wolfgang is a German name meaning "path of the wolf", made immortal by Mozart.
- Boy's name
- Germanic
- Feast day
Meaning
Wolfgang comes from the Old High German wolf, "wolf", and ganc, "path, going". It is usually translated as "path of the wolf" or "one who travels like a wolf". The wolf, a respected animal for the ancient Germanic peoples, appears in many of their names, such as Wolfram, Adolf and Rudolf.
Origin
Germanic, mostly used in Germany and Austria.
History
Saint Wolfgang, a Benedictine monk who became bishop of Regensburg in 972, spread the name in the German-speaking world. The Austrian village of Sankt Wolfgang and the Wolfgangsee lake near Salzburg are named after him. Mozart, born in Salzburg in 1756, and Goethe, born in Frankfurt in 1749, made it famous worldwide. It remains common among German and Austrian men born in the mid-20th century, while in the United States it has always been rare, chosen by parents who love music or Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck's cooking.
Did you know?
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote his first symphony at the age of 8, in London.
Famous people named Wolfgang
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, writer
- Wolfgang Puck, chef
- Wolfgang Pauli, physicist, Nobel Prize 1945
Popularity of the name Wolfgang
Wolfgang in the United States
Wolfgang was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 1,002 births over the decade, 32% of all recorded babies named Wolfgang. Its rise began around 1959, and it peaked in 2021. Half of all babies named Wolfgang in the United States were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 134 births a year.
Wolfgang in France
Wolfgang was most popular in France in the 1940s, with 155 births over the decade, 24% of all recorded babies named Wolfgang. Half of all babies named Wolfgang in France were born before 1963, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name.
Wolfgang in Austria
Sibling names for Wolfgang
Names from the same generation as Wolfgang, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Wolfgang? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Wolfgang with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Wolfgang side by side with the name of your choice.
Wolfgang in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wolfgang mean?
Wolfgang comes from the Old High German wolf, "wolf", and ganc, "path, going". It is usually translated as "path of the wolf" or "one who travels like a wolf". The wolf, a respected animal for the ancient Germanic peoples, appears in many of their names, such as Wolfram, Adolf and Rudolf.
What is the origin of the name Wolfgang?
Germanic, mostly used in Germany and Austria.
Is Wolfgang a girl's or a boy's name?
Wolfgang is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Wolfgang?
In 2024, Wolfgang was the 1526th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 115 births.
What are good sibling names for Wolfgang?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Millicent, Ida, Bernadette and Louisa for a sister, Henri, Leopold, Armin and Conrad for a brother.
Who are famous people named Wolfgang?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer; Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, writer; Wolfgang Puck, chef; Wolfgang Pauli, physicist, Nobel Prize 1945.