'Adolphus' originates from the Germanic language, specifically the word 'Adalwolf', where 'adal' meant 'noble' and 'wolf' meant 'wolf'.

'Adalwolf' transformed into the Latinized form 'Adolphus', and eventually became a common given name in English-speaking countries.

Initially, it meant 'noble wolf', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.