Aistulf

Aistulf is a Germanic name derived from the Old German elements heisti "loud, violent" and wolf "wolf". The name is most famously borne by an 8th-century king of the Lombards, who reigned from 749 until his death in 756.

Historical Bearer

Aistulf (also known as Ahistulf, Haistulfus, or Astolf in the Carolingian Cycle) was a prominent figure in the history of the Lombard Kingdom in Italy. Born as the son of Duke Pemmo of Friuli and his wife Ratperga, he succeeded his brother Ratchis as Duke of Friuli in 744 and later as King of the Lombards in 749, when Ratchis was forced to abdicate and entered a monastery. In 751, Aistulf also became Duke of Spoleto, consolidating power over much of central and northern Italy. Aistulf pursued an aggressive expansionist policy, targeting the Papal States and Byzantine territories. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was described as a "shameless" Lombard given to "pernicious savagery" and cruelty. His ambitions brought him into conflict with Pope Stephen II, who eventually sought help from the Frankish king Pepin the Short. In 754 and 756, Pepin invaded Italy and defeated Aistulf, forcing him to cede territories to the Papacy. Aistulf died in December 756, reportedly from a hunting accident.

Variant Forms

The name appears in the Carolingian Cycle literature as Astolfo, which is the Italian form used in tales such as Orlando Furioso, where Astolfo is an English knight.

• Meaning: "loud wolf" or "violent wolf"
• Origin: Germanic
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: Italy (historical)