Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Raoul since 1880
Babies named Raoul per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1928, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Raoul's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 26 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 289 |
| 1920s | 414 |
| 1930s | 364 |
| 1940s | 298 |
| 1950s | 371 |
| 1960s | 307 |
| 1970s | 276 |
| 1980s | 183 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 97 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Raoul is a distinctly European name with Germanic roots and strong French associations. Its heyday in the United States was the late 19th century; it reached its peak rank in 1897 and gradually fell out of the top 1,000 after 1991. The name has not been in the top 1,000 in recent years, and its 1-in-N incidence is not calculable due to low usage. It is most recognizable from French literature and history, giving it a sophisticated, old-world character. Parents seeking a classic French name with a strong meaning may find Raoul appealing, though it remains rare in contemporary America.
Raoul is the French form of the Old Germanic name Radulf, composed of the elements 'rad' (counsel) and 'wulf' (wolf). It was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in medieval France. The name has been borne by numerous French nobles and is associated with the hero of Stendhal's novel 'The Red and the Black' (1830).
“Raoul” around the world
Where Raoul lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ralph, Rafe
Sibling names for Raoul
Names that share Raoul's style, for a brother or sister.
