Godwulf

Godwulf is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, formed from the elements god and wulf, meaning “God’s wolf.” The name is part of a broader class of theophoric names in which a divine reference is paired with an animal or characteristic, a pattern common in early Germanic and Anglo-Saxon onomastics. Variants found in historical sources include Godulf, Godulfus, and Godewulf, reflecting Latinized spellings and regional orthographic practices.

In historical records, Godwulf appears in medieval English and continental texts in various spellings. It occurs in charters, hagiographies, and other manuscript material, illustrating its use across the Germanic-speaking world during the medieval period. The form and frequency of attestation vary by region and era, but the name itself demonstrates the popularity of the wolf as a symbolic element in personal naming.

Today, Godwulf is uncommon as a contemporary given name in English-speaking countries. It is primarily encountered in onomastic studies, historical fiction, and period settings where period-appropriate nomenclature is desired. The name may be revived or adopted in speculative or fantasy works to evoke antiquity or medieval atmospheres.

Related names and elements include other Germanic composites using wulf, as well as variations with different endings and spellings that reflect Old English and Latin transcription practices. As a historical name, Godwulf offers insight into medieval naming culture and the enduring symbolic resonance of the wolf in Germanic tradition.