Raoul Boy

Popularity: — · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: rah-OOL /ʁa.ul/

Origin: French; Spanish

Meaning: French: wolf counsel; Spanish: brave

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Raoul has its roots in the Old Germanic name Radulf, which is composed of the elements 'rad', meaning 'counsel' or 'advice', and 'wulf', meaning 'wolf'. This name evolved into the Old French form Raoul during the medieval period, particularly as the Normans adopted and adapted Germanic names following their settlement in what is now France.

The transition from Radulf to Raoul reflects the linguistic shifts that occurred as Old French developed from Vulgar Latin, influenced by the Germanic languages of the Frankish tribes. Historically, the name Raoul gained prominence in the early Middle Ages, particularly in France.

It was borne by several notable figures, including Raoul I of Crépy, who was a count in the 10th century, and Raoul II, who became a prominent noble in the 11th century. The name was also associated with various saints, contributing to its spread throughout medieval Europe.

The usage of Raoul in literature and historical texts can be traced back to the 12th century, with references appearing in chronicles and romances of the time, which helped to solidify its place in the cultural lexicon. Culturally, Raoul carries connotations of strength and leadership, often associated with the qualities of a wolf, a symbol of courage and loyalty in various traditions.

The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, including the diminutive form Raoulito in Spanish-speaking regions. Its historical significance is underscored by its use in noble lineages and its appearance in works of literature, which have contributed to its enduring legacy in European naming traditions.

Famous people named Raoul

In this section, you will find notable people named Raoul. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Raoul who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Raoul who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Raoul Dufy was a painter best known for his colorful landscapes, seascapes, and depictions of leisure activities.

Raoul Wallenberg was a diplomat best known for saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust in Hungary.

Fictional characters named Raoul

The following list of fictional characters named Raoul is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Raoul is a fictional character from the novel The Phantom of the Opera. He is the love interest of Christine Daaé and a rival to the Phantom for her affections.

Raoul is a fictional character from the animated film The Aristocats. He is a wealthy and kind-hearted cat who helps the main characters, Duchess and her kittens, find their way home.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Raoul, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

RenéJulienLucMarcAntoinePhilippe

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Raoul. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

RafaelRamonRoccoRonanRamiRamires

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Raoul was first seen in the United States in 1880.

Raoul has ranked as high as #1864 nationally, which occurred in 1928, and has been most popular in California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Louisiana.

In the past 5 years the name Raoul has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Raoul is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Raoul was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Raoul.

Year Total Births Boy
2024 5 5
2023 5 5
2022 9 9
2021 8 8
2020 6 6
2019 7 7
2018 7 7
2017 13 13
2015 9 9
2014 6 6
2013 7 7
2012 8 8
2011 6 6
2010 6 6
2009 14 14
2008 9 9
2007 10 10
2005 11 11
2004 11 11
2003 10 10
2002 15 15
2001 6 6
2000 11 11
1999 12 12
1998 17 17
1997 12 12
1996 15 15
1995 16 16
1994 13 13
1993 9 9
1992 25 25
1991 18 18
1990 15 15
1989 19 19
1988 17 17
1987 10 10
1986 20 20
1985 15 15
1984 13 13
1983 21 21
1982 24 24
1981 22 22
1980 22 22
1979 25 25
1978 29 29
1977 18 18
1976 25 25
1975 29 29
1974 18 18
1973 32 32
1972 23 23
1971 39 39
1970 38 38
1969 29 29
1968 32 32
1967 31 31
1966 18 18
1965 23 23
1964 32 32
1963 27 27
1962 38 38
1961 43 43
1960 34 34
1959 39 39
1958 34 34
1957 29 29
1956 47 47
1955 44 44
1954 33 33
1953 41 41
1952 27 27
1951 43 43
1950 34 34
1949 35 35
1948 34 34
1947 20 20
1946 30 30
1945 25 25
1944 21 21
1943 37 37
1942 36 36
1941 25 25
1940 35 35
1939 30 30
1938 30 30
1937 26 26
1936 38 38
1935 37 37
1934 38 38
1933 30 30
1932 43 43
1931 47 47
1930 45 45
1929 45 45
1928 53 53
1927 35 35
1926 41 41
1925 42 42
1924 43 43
1923 45 45
1922 31 31
1921 41 41
1920 38 38
1919 41 41
1918 42 42
1917 47 47
1916 32 32
1915 42 42
1914 24 24
1913 28 28
1912 16 16
1911 9 9
1910 8 8
1908 8 8
1906 7 7
1905 8 8
1900 6 6
1899 5 5
1897 9 9
1891 5 5
1890 7 7
1880 7 7

Top States for Raoul (1993)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%