Origin and Meaning of Ralph
Meaning & Origin
Wolf counsel, strong advisor
Origin: Old Norse - Derived from the Old Norse name Rǫlf, which is composed of the elements 'rǫdhr' meaning 'counsel' and 'úlfr' meaning 'wolf'.
Interesting Facts
- Ralph has been a common name in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, particularly in England.
- The name Ralph was introduced to England by the Normans and has variations in several languages, such as Raoul (French) and Raffaele (Italian).
- Notable bearers of the name include Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist and philosopher, and Ralph Fiennes, a renowned English actor.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ralph gained popularity, though it has since declined in the modern naming landscape.
- Related names and variations include Ralf, Ralfie, and the more uncommon Raaf.