Ralph Name Meaning & Origin
Ralph
Pronunciation: RALF, RAYF (key)
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.
Looking for the perfect name? Try the Name MatchMaker to find the perfect baby name for you!
NameVoyager
US Popularity of Ralph Over Time
Sister & Brother Names
Know a Ralph? What are his siblings named?
Name Lists Featuring Ralph
Contribute your knowledge to the name Ralph
- Comments and insights on the name Ralph
- Personal experiences with the name Ralph
- Nicknames for Ralph
Ralphie, Rafe
- Meanings and history of the name Ralph
- Famous real-life people named Ralph
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and leading figure of the transcendentalist movement
Ralph Stanley, American bluegrass musician featured on the soundtrack to the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
Ralph Fiennes, English actor - his name is pronounced "Rafe"
Ralph Vaughan Williams, British composer - also pronounced "Rafe"
Ralph Lauren, American designer- Ralph in song, story & screen
Ralph Kramden, lead character in the classic TV show "The Honeymooners," played by Jackie Gleason
Ralphie Parker, lead character in "A Christmas Story"
Ralph Dibney, real name of superhero "The Elongated Man" in DC comics
Ralph Wiggum, the son of the town's police chief on "The Simpsons"
Ralph, the main character of the movie Wreck-It Ralph
Ralph, the main character of William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"
Ralph Roister Doister, main character in the play "Ralph Roister Doister," the first comic play in English
58
No Way
Definitely
Smart?
63
No Way
Definitely
Sexy?
57
No Way
Definitely
Friendly?
55
No Way
Definitely
Creative?
57
No Way
Definitely
Strong?
52
No Way
Definitely
Young?
54
No Way
Definitely