Wolfhart

Wolfhart is a masculine given name of German origin. It is a compound formed from the elements wolf and hart, both common in Germanic onomastics. The wolf element evokes the animal, while hart, derived from Old High German hart or hardt, signifies strength, courage, or steadfastness. The combination suggests a person of fierce or enduring character. The name is primarily found in German-speaking regions and among communities with German heritage; outside these areas it remains rare and largely historical.

In usage, Wolfhart appears in medieval and early modern records but is uncommon as a contemporary given name. It has sometimes appeared in surname lists due to family naming practices, yet it remains chiefly a first name.

Notable bearer: Wolfhart Pannenberg (1928–2014), a German theologian and philosopher recognized for his contributions to systematic theology and his engagement with public intellectual discourse.

Variants and related names include Wolfhard and older forms such as Wolfherd; other composite names pairing wolf with second elements meaning boldness or strength are also related in the broader family of Germanic names. When used in non-German contexts, Wolfhart is often preserved in its original form or adapted with minor phonetic changes.

The name Wolfhart reflects historical naming patterns in which animal and virtue-associated elements were combined to convey desired personal traits. It remains a point of reference in discussions of German given-name etymology and onomastic history.