Ulrich is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "ul" meaning "wolf" and "-rich" meaning "power". Therefore, the name Ulrich translates to "powerful as a wolf".
The name Ulrich has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, who was born in the 10th century and served as the bishop of Augsburg. He is revered as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In literature, Ulrich appears as a character in the epic poem "Parzival" by Wolfram von Eschenbach. In this story, Ulrich is a knight who accompanies Parzival on his quest for the Holy Grail.
Today, Ulrich remains a popular given name in Germanic countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also used in other parts of Europe and beyond. While it may not be as widely known or used as some other names, Ulrich has a rich history and an intriguing meaning that sets it apart.
The name Ulrich experienced notable fluctuations in popularity over the years. While there were periods with consistently low birth numbers, such as between 1920 and 1960 where it averaged around 5 births per year, there have also been significant peaks in recent times. The years 2013 to 2023 saw an average of over 12 births per year, with the highest point being 16 births in 2015 and 2018 each. Overall, Ulrich has seen a total of 474 births since 1914.