'Rudolf' originates from Old High German, specifically the word 'Hruodolf', where 'hruod' meant 'fame' and 'wulf' (later 'olf') meant 'wolf'.

'Rudolf' changed from the Old High German word 'Hruodolf', through Middle High German 'Rudolf', and eventually became the modern English name 'Rudolf'.

Initially, it meant 'famous wolf', but over time it evolved into and is used primarily as a personal name rather than preserving the literal compound meaning.