Ralph Boy

Popularity: #742 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationRALF / /rælf/

Old Norse; Germanic

Meaning

Old Norse: wolf counsel; Germanic: wise wolf

Historical & Cultural Background

Ralph is derived from the Old Norse name Rǫlf, which combines elements meaning 'wolf' and 'counsel.' The name has been used in various forms across Europe, particularly in England and Germany. It gained popularity in the Middle Ages and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. Ralph has maintained a presence in English-speaking countries, often associated with strength and wisdom.

Trend Summary

Ralph has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

RandallRaymondRolandRonanRufusReubenRoccoRyderRiley

Variants

  • Ralphie
  • Ralf

International Variants

  • Ralf (German)
  • Rafael (Spanish)
  • Raffaele (Italian)

Famous people named Ralph

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist and philosopher known for his contributions to transcendentalism.

Ralph Fiennes is a British actor and director recognized for his roles in films such as 'Schindler's List' and 'The English Patient.'.

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer known for founding the Polo Ralph Lauren brand.

Ralph Nader is an American political activist and author known for his work in consumer protection and environmentalism.

Fictional characters named Ralph

Ralph Wiggum is a character from 'The Simpsons,' known for his innocent and often nonsensical remarks.

Ralph Bakshi is a character in the animated film 'Cool World,' representing a blend of live-action and animation.

Sibling Suggestions

HenryGeorgeEdwardCharlesWilliamJamesThomasArthur

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ralph was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ralph has ranked as high as #46 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Ralph has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ralph (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 20
16%
FL 19
15%
NY 16
13%
OH 8
6%
PA 8
6%
CA 7
6%
IL 7
6%
MA 7
6%
UT 6
5%
VA 6
5%
MI 6
5%
GA 5
4%
MD 5
4%
MO 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880317
1881329
1882407
1883385
1884464
1885422
1886440
1887463
1888547
1889495
1890587
1891587
1892725
1893636
1894692
1895736
1896746
1897697
1898803
1899742
1900896
1901682
1902866
1903807
1904899
1905938
1906984
1907997
19081,138
19091,091
19101,278
19111,674
19123,435
19133,963
19145,009
19156,816
19167,085
19177,391
19188,162
19197,709
19208,556
19218,860
19228,484
19238,629
19248,766
19258,467
19268,455
19278,434
19288,100
19297,715
19307,634
19316,960
19326,727
19336,185
19346,282
19356,090
19366,029
19375,922
19386,014
19395,958
19405,838
19416,041
19426,635
19436,771
19446,272
19455,785
19466,586
19477,389
19486,915
19496,748
19506,406
19516,525
19526,469
19536,513
19546,311
19555,965
19566,041
19575,708
19585,453
19595,051
19604,769
19614,440
19624,180
19633,931
19643,563
19653,225
19662,783
19672,553
19682,325
19692,416
19702,249
19711,989
19721,672
19731,558
19741,371
19751,343
19761,161
19771,253
19781,079
19791,080
19801,039
1981898
1982949
1983846
1984771
1985753
1986728
1987724
1988628
1989664
1990603
1991562
1992499
1993520
1994422
1995413
1996415
1997364
1998333
1999343
2000342
2001319
2002314
2003300
2004270
2005258
2006278
2007239
2008248
2009211
2010205
2011208
2012180
2013194
2014193
2015186
2016205
2017185
2018219
2019203
2020180
2021186
2022183
2023168
2024182