Ralph
Ralph: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɹælf/ · [ˈɹʷælf]
Meaning and origin of Ralph
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
From Middle English Radulf, from Old English Rǣdwulf (also as Raulf), from Proto-West Germanic *Rādawulf, from Proto-Germanic *Rēdawulfaz. Reinforced by similar forms brought to England, e.g. Old Norse Ráðúlfr, then in the Norman form Old French Radulf, Radulph. For the sense relating to vomiting, see ralph.
How popular is Ralph?
Since 1880, 1,840 girls and 414,018 boys in the U.S. have been named Ralph (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #949 in 1929. Its highest rank for boys was #21 in 1914. In 2025, 211 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Ralph
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Ralph
Sister and brother names that share Ralph's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Ralph FAQ
What does the name Ralph mean?
A male given name from the Germanic languages. From Middle English Radulf, from Old English Rǣdwulf (also as Raulf), from Proto-West Germanic *Rādawulf, from Proto-Germanic *Rēdawulfaz. Reinforced by similar forms brought to England, e.g. Old Norse Ráðúlfr, then in the Norman form Old French Radulf, Radulph. For the sense relating to vomiting, see ralph.
What is the origin of the name Ralph?
Ralph is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Ralph?
Since 1880, 1,840 girls and 414,018 boys in the U.S. have been named Ralph (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #949 in 1929. Its highest rank for boys was #21 in 1914. In 2025, 211 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Ralph a boy or girl name?
Ralph is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 1,840 girls and 414,018 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.