Wolf

Wolf(e) is the transferred use of an Anglo-Norman-Irish surname that developed shortly after the Norman Conquest of England of 1066 followed by the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1170. The first record of the surname appeared in 1166 as “Wulf” in Lincoln, England.   Most etymologists believe the surname was derived from a nickname, the holders of which were considered fierce and cunning people.  The Olde English word “wulf” described a “wolfish person” (a devil of sorts), ultimately borrowed from the Proto-Indo-European root *u̯l̥ku̯os- meaning “wolf, lobo” (i.e., the animal).  Later in medieval times, wolves became symbolic of lustful women, from the Latin slang “lupa” (cf. “lobo”) meaning “she-wolf, prostitute” until the Elizabethan Age when wolves were more associated with lustful men.  This surname may have also been assigned as an occupation name for one who hunted wolves.  Whatever the origin of the surname, it’s clear the name’s etymology is connected to the wolf, an animal of great important in ancient times. In Norse and Japanese mythology, the wolf was regarded as an animal of great importance, symbolic of god-like creatures.  As a masculine given name, Wolf(e) is not common, but is used among a handful of baby boys each year in the United States (truth be told, about 40).