Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ralph
BoyOld Norse, English· “counsel wolf”
- Meaning
- counsel wolf
- Origin
- Old Norse, English
- Pronunciation
- RALF
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,048
- US babies 2025
- 211
- Best rank
- #21 (1914)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Ralph
Ralph is an Old Norse and English name that means “counsel wolf”.
Ralph comes from the Old Norse Ráðúlfr and the related Old English Rædwulf, built from elements meaning "counsel" and "wolf." The Normans spread the name in England, where it was often spelled Rauf or Raff. In Britain it is traditionally pronounced RAYF, while in the United States RALF is standard. The American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson is a notable bearer. Ralph has a solid, vintage sound, and Ralphie is a playful nickname.
Popularity over time
Ralph has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 134 different years. Its best national rank was #21 in 1914, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 8,860 were named Ralph. In 2025, 211 babies were named Ralph, and it ranked #1,048 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #22 in 1920, #52 in 1950, #229 in 1980, #584 in 2000, #967 in 2010, and #1,048 in 2025. Of the 414,018 US boys named Ralph since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 64,983 babies. Since 2010, 3,091 more have been named Ralph.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Warren, Howard, Albert, Clarence, and Louis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ralph ranked highest in Wisconsin, New York, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #668 | 7 |
| New York | #681 | 22 |
| Utah | #683 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #699 | 13 |
| North Carolina | #710 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Ralph is usually pronounced RALF, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-ph”.
Middle names for Ralph
A few middle names that flow with Ralph: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ralph
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Lists that include Ralph
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ralph mean?
Ralph is an Old Norse and English name that means “counsel wolf”.
What is the origin of the name Ralph?
Ralph has Old Norse and English roots. Ralph comes from the Old Norse Ráðúlfr and the related Old English Rædwulf, built from elements meaning "counsel" and "wolf." The Normans spread the name in England, where it was often spelled Rauf or Raff.
Is Ralph a popular name?
Not especially. Ralph ranked #1,048 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ralph a boy or girl name?
Ralph is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Ralph?
Ralph is usually pronounced RALF. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings