Ralph
Origin of the name Ralph:
From the Old Norse Rađulfr, Rathulfr, a compound name composed of the elements rađ, rath (counsel) and ulfr (wolf). The name, introduced by the Scandinavians, was reinforced by the Normans, who brought in the Germanic cognate Radulf, which is from the elements rād (counsel) and wulf (wolf). The English developed their own cognate, Rædwulf, from the Old English elements ræd (counsel) and wulf (wolf). The name evolved into Rauf, Raff, and Rafe in the Middle Ages, Ralf in the 16th century, and Ralph in the 18th century.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the bookDoes Ralph sound...
Sibling Names for Ralph...
Do you know any real life Ralphs?
What are their siblings named?
Reader Contributions
Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Ralph!
- Comments and insights on the name Ralph: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Personal experiences with the name Ralph: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Nicknames for Ralph: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Meanings and history of the name Ralph: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Famous real-life people named Ralph: | Edit
Ralph Waldo Emerson - American writer and leading figure of the transcendentalist movement
Ralph Stanley - bluegrass musician featured on the soundtrack to the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
Ralph Fiennes - actor - his name is pronounced "Rafe"- Ralph in song, story & screen: | Edit
Ralph Kramden, The Honeymooners
Ralphie Parker, lead character in "A Christmas Story"
NameVoyager US Popularity of Ralph Over Time
NameMapper Current Popularity of Ralph by State
Global Popularity of the Name Ralph
- #868 in United States
Baby Name Wizard Store
Celebrate with personalized baby name products! Custom birth announcements, invitations, bibs, onesies & more.
Start Shopping

