Declining since 1999, #1,976 for boys today.
Popularity of Ronaldo since 1914
Babies named Ronaldo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 30 |
| 1930s | 48 |
| 1940s | 77 |
| 1950s | 179 |
| 1960s | 225 |
| 1970s | 236 |
| 1980s | 269 |
| 1990s | 976 |
| 2000s | 2,096 |
| 2010s | 1,405 |
| 2020s | 491 |
Meaning & origin
Ronaldo is a name with strong Portuguese and Spanish roots, ultimately derived from the Old Norse Rǫgnvaldr, meaning 'ruler's advisor.' While it has been in use in the U.S. since at least 1914, its popularity exploded following the rise of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, who was active in the 1990s and 2000s. The name reached its peak U.S. rank in 1998 at No. 1976, coinciding with the player's World Cup victory. However, since 1999, its popularity has been steadily declining. Today, the name stands at a 1-in-22,183 incidence, with the highest concentrations in North Carolina, California, and Texas. Ronaldo remains a recognizable but relatively uncommon choice, heavily tied to its famous bearer.
Ronaldo is a Portuguese and Spanish form of Ronald, itself derived from the Old Norse name Rǫgnvaldr, meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'wise ruler.' The name gained international fame through the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (born 1976), which led to a surge in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Where Ronaldo 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.
“Ronaldo” around the world
Where Ronaldo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roni, Ron, Naldo
Variants: Ronald, Ronaldinho
Sibling names for Ronaldo
Names that share Ronaldo's style, for a brother or sister.
