The name Rolf has its origins in the Germanic languages and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old Norse name Rolfr, which itself comes from the elements rudol meaning "famous" and folk meaning "people" or "army". The name can be translated to mean "famous among the people" or "famous warrior".

In Old Norse literature, the name appears in various forms such as Hrólfr, Hrólf, and Rolff. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Rolf Ganger, a Norwegian Viking who became the first Duke of Normandy in the 10th century after leading his people to settle in northwestern France. He is also known as Rollo or Rollon in French sources.

Another notable historical figure with the name Rolf was Rolf Krake, a legendary Danish king who is the central figure in the Old Norse Skjöldunga saga. He is said to have lived in the 6th century and is portrayed as a great warrior and leader.

In the 11th century, Rolf was the name of a Norwegian nobleman and landowner who is mentioned in the Heimskringla, a collection of sagas about the Norwegian kings. This Rolf was an ally of King Harald Hardrada and participated in military campaigns in England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Rolf was also used in various German-speaking regions, particularly in areas with Norse influence or settlement. One example is Rolf von Zähringen, a 12th-century German nobleman who founded the city of Freiburg im Breisgau in present-day Germany.

In more recent times, notable bearers of the name Rolf include Rolf Harris (1930-2022), an Australian entertainer and artist; Rolf Benirschke (born 1954), an American football player; and Rolf Bucholz (born 1937), a German actor and voice artist.