Raoul Boy

Popularity: #919 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationrah-OOL / ʁa.ul

French; Spanish

Meaning

French: wolf counsel; Spanish: brave

Historical & Cultural Background

Raoul is derived from the Old German name Radulf, which means 'wolf counsel.' It has been used in various forms across Europe, particularly in France and Spain. The name has historical significance, appearing in medieval literature and among nobility. It remains a classic name in French-speaking countries.

Trend Summary

Raoul has seen fluctuating popularity in the US, with a notable presence in the early to mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Raoul
  • Ralph

International Variants

  • Rául (Spanish)
  • Raúl (Spanish)
  • Ralph (English)

Famous people named Raoul

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat known for saving thousands of Jews during World War II.

Raoul Dufy was a French painter and designer, celebrated for his colorful works and contributions to Fauvism.

Raoul Bova is an Italian actor known for his roles in both Italian and international films.

Raoul Moat was a British man involved in a high-profile manhunt in 2010.

Fictional characters named Raoul

Raoul is a character in 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Gaston Leroux, known as the love interest of Christine Daaé.

Raoul is a character in the animated film 'The Aristocats,' serving as a supporting character.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Raoul was first seen in the United States in 1880. Raoul has ranked as high as #841 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)

Top States for Raoul (1930)

StateBirthsShare
CA 9
33%
MA 7
26%
NY 6
22%
ME 5
19%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18907
18915
18979
18995
19006
19058
19067
19088
19108
19119
191216
191328
191424
191542
191632
191747
191842
191941
192038
192141
192231
192345
192443
192542
192641
192735
192853
192945
193045
193147
193243
193330
193438
193537
193638
193726
193830
193930
194035
194125
194236
194337
194421
194525
194630
194720
194834
194935
195034
195142
195227
195341
195433
195544
195647
195729
195834
195939
196034
196143
196238
196327
196432
196523
196618
196731
196832
196929
197038
197139
197223
197332
197418
197529
197625
197718
197829
197925
198022
198122
198224
198321
198413
198515
198620
198710
198817
198919
199015
199118
199225
19939
199413
199516
199615
199712
199817
199912
200011
20016
200215
200310
200411
200511
200710
20089
200914
20106
20116
20128
20137
20146
20159
201713
20187
20197
20206
20218
20229
20235
20245