boys' name · peaked 1922

Adolphus

From Latin Adolphus. Doublet of Adolph.

Every Adolphus since 1880 — 4,109 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.

Measure
Births per 1,000 babies of that sex — comparable across eras
0.080.150.230.318801900192019401960198020002020Peak 1893Boys
Rank 2025
among boys
Babies in 2025
<5
named Adolphus
Peak year
1922
85 babies
All-time total
4,109
since 1880

The story of Adolphus

Adolphus is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.

Since 1880, 4,109 American babies have been named Adolphus. Its peak came in 1922, when 85 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Adolphus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

Adolphus year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year Boys Boys rank
2025
2024
2023
2022 5 #12,393
2021
2020
2019
2018 5 #12,193
2017
2016 8 #8,842
2015 6 #10,687
2014 6 #10,749
2013
2012 6 #10,810
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007 9 #8,177
2006 6 #10,687
2005 7 #9,131
2004 11 #6,529
2003 8 #7,851
2002
2001 12 #5,673
2000 10 #6,322
1995 16 #3,857
1990 13 #4,170
1985 21 #2,427
1980 23 #2,213
1975 25 #1,885
1970 23 #1,847
1965 33 #1,335
1960 46 #1,152
1955 67 #906
1950 54 #934
1945 37 #1,056
1940 50 #893
1935 54 #850
1930 56 #885
1925 49 #973
1920 72 #785
1915 64 #751
1910 28 #537
1905 19 #525
1900 19 #555
1895 22 #414
1890 15 #491
1885 24 #355
1880 17 #425

Famous people named Adolphus

  1. Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Politician · 1658–1708
  2. Adolphus Frederick VI, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Politician · 1882–1918
  3. Adolphus Frederick V, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Politician · 1848–1914
  4. Adolphus Frederick III, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Politician · 1686–1752
  5. Adolphus Frederick IV, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Politician · 1738–1794

Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Adolphus mean?

From Latin Adolphus. Doublet of Adolph.

How popular is the name Adolphus in 2025?

Adolphus did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.

How many people are named Adolphus?

4,109 babies have been named Adolphus in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Adolphus most popular?

Adolphus peaked in 1922, when 85 newborns received the name.

Is Adolphus a boy or girl name?

Adolphus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.

Is the name Adolphus rising or falling?

Adolphus is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.

Who are famous people named Adolphus?

Well-known people named Adolphus include Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (politician), Adolphus Frederick VI, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (politician), Adolphus Frederick V, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (politician).

Names like Adolphus

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