Wolfgang
Borrowed from German Wolfgang (reinforced by Medieval Latin Wolfgangus), from Middle High German Wolfgang, from Old High German Wolfgang, from wolf (“wolf”) + gang…
Every Wolfgang since 1929 — 3,220 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Wolfgang
Wolfgang is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #1,519 in 2025 with 115 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1929, 3,220 American babies have been named Wolfgang. Its peak came in 2021, when 148 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
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 Wolfgang stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Wolfgang year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 115 | #1,519 |
| 2024 | 115 | #1,539 |
| 2023 | 145 | #1,322 |
| 2022 | 131 | #1,413 |
| 2021 | 148 | #1,288 |
| 2020 | 132 | #1,352 |
| 2019 | 146 | #1,282 |
| 2018 | 126 | #1,400 |
| 2017 | 117 | #1,458 |
| 2016 | 119 | #1,455 |
| 2015 | 113 | #1,480 |
| 2014 | 93 | #1,669 |
| 2013 | 68 | #2,019 |
| 2012 | 67 | #2,065 |
| 2011 | 84 | #1,754 |
| 2010 | 69 | #2,009 |
| 2009 | 64 | #2,142 |
| 2008 | 50 | #2,540 |
| 2007 | 38 | #3,087 |
| 2006 | 48 | #2,541 |
| 2005 | 52 | #2,295 |
| 2004 | 50 | #2,312 |
| 2003 | 49 | #2,236 |
| 2002 | 50 | #2,152 |
| 2001 | 56 | #1,956 |
| 2000 | 51 | #2,012 |
| 1995 | 59 | #1,587 |
| 1990 | 16 | #3,773 |
| 1985 | 11 | #4,042 |
| 1980 | 6 | #6,225 |
| 1975 | 13 | #3,072 |
| 1970 | 26 | #1,742 |
| 1965 | 11 | #2,615 |
| 1960 | 16 | #2,117 |
| 1955 | 10 | #2,760 |
| 1950 | 6 | #3,673 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | 6 | #3,633 |
| 1930 | 6 | #3,997 |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Wolfgang
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Composer · 1756–1791
- Wolfgang Pauli Physicist · 1900–1958
- Wolfgang Petersen Film director · b. 1941
- Wolfgang Köhler Psychologist · 1887–1967
- Wolfgang von Kempelen Inventor · 1734–1804
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wolfgang mean?
Borrowed from German Wolfgang (reinforced by Medieval Latin Wolfgangus), from Middle High German Wolfgang, from Old High German Wolfgang, from wolf (“wolf”) + gang (“path, course”).
How popular is the name Wolfgang in 2025?
Wolfgang ranked #1,519 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 115 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Wolfgang?
3,220 babies have been named Wolfgang in the United States since 1929, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Wolfgang most popular?
Wolfgang peaked in 2021, when 148 newborns received the name.
Is Wolfgang a boy or girl name?
Wolfgang is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Wolfgang rising or falling?
Wolfgang is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Wolfgang?
Well-known people named Wolfgang include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (composer), Wolfgang Pauli (physicist), Wolfgang Petersen (film director).