Origin and Meaning of Randolph

Shield wolf

Origin: Old Norse/Old English - Derived from the Old Norse name Randulfr, which combines 'rand' (shield) and 'ulfr' (wolf). In Old English, it was adapted to the form Randolph.

• Randolph has historical roots in medieval England, where it was used among Norman nobility and Anglo-Saxon culture.
• The name was quite popular in England during the 19th century, though it has since declined in usage.
• Notable bearers of the name include American politician Randolph Bourne and several members of the prominent Randolph family in Virginia, including Thomas Jefferson Randolph.
• Although the name is less frequently used today, it saw a slight resurgence in the early 2000s, particularly among those seeking vintage or traditional names.
• Variations of the name include Randal, Randalph, and Rance, with Randal being more commonly used in modern contexts.