Wolfe is a name carried into Irish history by one of the founding figures of Irish republicanism.
Where does the Wolfe name come from?
Wolfe is generally a nickname surname from the wolf, for someone thought fierce or dangerous, or from a personal name based on the same element — common across the Germanic and Norman naming traditions. It came to Ireland with settler families and is closely related to the Hiberno-Norman name Woulfe.
Wolfe in Ireland
The name is forever associated with Theobald Wolfe Tone, the Dublin-born leader of the United Irishmen and a father of Irish republicanism, whose grave at Bodenstown remains a place of pilgrimage. The Wolfes were established among the gentry, particularly in County Kildare. As a settled name, Wolfe is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Wolfe is generally a nickname from the wolf.
- It is closely related to the Hiberno-Norman Woulfe.
- The Wolfes were gentry in County Kildare.
- Theobald Wolfe Tone led the United Irishmen.
- His grave at Bodenstown is a place of pilgrimage.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Woulfe, White, and Barry.
Carry the Wolfe name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Wolfe collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wolfe an Irish surname?
Wolfe became a settled name in Ireland, famously borne by Theobald Wolfe Tone, and is related to the Hiberno-Norman Woulfe.
What does Wolfe mean?
It is generally a nickname from the wolf, for a fierce character.
Is there a Wolfe family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Wolfe products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
