Declining since 1985, #1,046 for boys today.
Popularity of Ralph since 1880
Babies named Ralph per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,269 |
| 1890s | 6,951 |
| 1900s | 9,298 |
| 1910s | 52,522 |
| 1920s | 84,466 |
| 1930s | 63,802 |
| 1940s | 64,983 |
| 1950s | 60,440 |
| 1960s | 34,190 |
| 1970s | 14,755 |
| 1980s | 7,998 |
| 1990s | 4,474 |
| 2000s | 2,779 |
| 2010s | 1,978 |
| 2020s | 1,113 |
Meaning & origin
Ralph is a classic masculine name with deep Germanic roots, meaning 'wolf counsel.' In the United States, it experienced its greatest popularity in 1918, when it reached a peak rank still noted today. The name has been on a general decline since 1985, and in the most recent data for 2025, it holds a rank of 1,046, with approximately 1 in 8,095 baby boys receiving the name. Despite its lower usage, Ralph retains a sturdy, vintage charm. It appears most frequently in states like Utah, Wisconsin, and New York. The name's trajectory shows a falling trend over recent decades, yet it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its historical weight and straightforward sound.
Ralph is derived from the Old Norse name Ráðúlfr, composed of the elements ráð ('counsel') and úlfr ('wolf'). It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age and reinforced by the Normans, who used the form Raoul. The name became common in England after the Norman Conquest, often appearing in medieval records as Radulf or Rauf. It has remained in steady use, with a notable peak in the early 20th century.
Where Ralph is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ralph” around the world
Where Ralph lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ral, Ralphie, Rafe
Sibling names for Ralph
Names that share Ralph's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Edith, Florence, Mabel, Betty, Doris, Joyce, Phyllis, Alene, Myrtis, Reba, Joetta, Larita, Argie, Berdine, Camela, Clydene, Clydie, Desma, Dorma, Elsia, Maudine, Pluma, Raymona, Ruther, Vanellope, Eletha, Gladyce, Leeta, Lourene, Lovelle, Lucyle, Monda, Rushie, Varina, Veneda, Boneta, Charlestine, Floree, Foye, Gladiola, Linnell, Margree, Mertha, Oleda, Ranie, Roda, Rudine, Therma
Brothers: Arthur, Harold, Howard, Eugene, Walter, Earl, Floyd, Harvey, Hugh, Rodger, Burt, Chauncey, Claud, Delmar, Garland, Loyd, Rolland, Walt, Walton, Clive, Giles, Godfrey, Lovell, Lyman, Merl, Otho, Reginal, Vernal, Woodie, Baldwin, Buell, Dolph, Dow, Doyne, Estil, Guilford, Haskel, Haynes, Richey, Rober, Rolly, Blease, Burk, Filmore, Lyonel, Robley, Verdon, Vere, Vernel, Welby, Bonner, Cottrell, Custer, Doil, Ermin, Garlen, Garvis, Halford, Harl, Hoyte, Rector, Tunis
Names like Ralph
Names whose popularity has moved with Ralph's over the last 50 years.
