Baby names often reflect current trends and popular culture. Celebrities are known to lead the way in unusual and unique baby names, with the latest trend being Wolf. Pioneered by stars like Lauren Conrad and Eve Cooper, this trend harkens back to our primal, animalistic instincts and the strength and unity represented by wolves.
Star from the popular TV show New Girl, Zooey Deschanel, was one of the first celebrities to use this animal-inspired name, exhibiting perhaps a fondness for the wilderness and a spirit of adventure. Her son’s name is Charlie Wolf. Taking her love for animal names further, Deschanel named her firstborn Elsie Otter, joking that “Who doesn’t love an otter?” during her interview on the Today show.
A surprise entry into the 'Wolf' naming trend came from beauty mogul Kylie Jenner and her partner Travis Scott. They named their second child together Wolf Webster, showing a departure from the norm. However, in true celebrity fashion, Jenner later revealed that her son's official name was not Wolf anymore, indicating their desire to provide a name that suited their child's personality. She also named her first child Stormi, reinforcing her preference for unique names.
Rapper Eve Cooper and her husband Maximillion Cooper also entered the 'Wolf' name trend by naming their son Wilde Wolf Fife Alexander Somers Cooper. It was an expression of both originality and nod to the animal, with Cooper capturing her joy at the uniqueness of the name and her experience as a new mother by saying “Words can’t describe this feeling.”
Another reality star, Lauren Conrad from the Hills, named her second child Charlie Wolf. Although she humorously admitted that she felt like a follower after using the same name as fellow celebrity Deschanel, Conrad emphasized that the shared name was pure coincidence. Sometimes, the appeal of a unique name can transcend its popularity.
Former partners Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet showed their admiration for the animal by giving their son the moniker Nakoa-Wolf, fitting for their own son's warrior spirit. Bonet expressed the meaning of her son's name, 'warrior wolf', in a heartfelt interview. No doubt, Nakoa-Wolf's future will shine bright like his parents', carrying with him the powerful name inherited from them.
The trend of animals as baby names among celebrities was well ahead of its time in some cases. Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen named their son Wolfgang in 1991. Though not entirely a wolf-themed name, the couple displayed their trendsetting capability, being ahead in their time using an animalistic name for their son.
Animal-inspired baby names can symbolize many qualities, such as strength, nobility, or even a form of spirituality. Some names even come from other cultures, with meanings that can be quite varied. For parents who wish to give their children a unique and meaningful name, here are example derivations that reflect the 'Wolf' trend.
In German, Adalwolf refers to a 'noble wolf' representing nobility and giving nature. Likewise, the name Adolfina, originating from English, translates to 'noble wolf' as well. However, it leans towards a feminine name as opposed to the masculine leaning Adalwolf.
A Romanian baby girl's name that means 'wolf' and 'full of strength' is Daciana. As for an Irish baby boy's name, Faolan, means 'little wolf', capturing the essence of the robust and fierce creature in a childlike and endearing manner.
Lobo translates to 'Wolf' in Spanish and is considered fitting for a boy who might grow up to be feisty yet caring. Similarly, the name Guadalupe, shortened to Lupe, of Latin origin, also means 'wolf'. It's considered a girl’s name or even a nickname across Spanish cultures.
The name Rudi, rooted in Teutonic origin, means 'famous wolf'. As the baby name trends evolve, parents find ways to make them their own, and adding their unique touch. Animals have always fascinated humans, and they continue to do that in our naming conventions, sparking trends that are continually changing, being enhanced by celebrities who seem to enjoy sharing this admiration for the animal world with their children.