Ralph
Meaning of Ralph
The name Ralph, pronounced as RALF (/rælf/), is a classic male name with roots in Old Norse and Old English. Derived from the Old Norse Ráðúlfr, which means "counsel wolf," Ralph has been a popular choice for centuries. In literature and pop culture, it evokes images of strength and wisdom, often associated with notable figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American essayist and poet, and Ralph Fiennes, the acclaimed British actor. Although its popularity has waned in recent decades, it remains a timeless choice. Historically peaking in the early 20th century, Ralph was among the top 100 names in the United States but has seen a gradual decline since then. Despite this trend, it retains a steady presence with around 167 occurrences in 2023 alone. The name also has a simpler variation—Ralf—which shares the same rich heritage and appeal.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as RALF (/rælf/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Ralph
| Ralph Shearer Northam is an American pediatric neurologist and politician who served as the 73rd governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022. |
| Ralph Waldo Emerson, also known as Waldo, was a prominent American essayist, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement and was admired for his championing of individualism and critical thinking. |
| Ralph Nader is a prominent American political activist, author, and attorney known for his work in consumer protection, environmentalism, and government reform, and for his influential book "Unsafe at Any Speed." |
| Ralph Johnson Bunche was an influential American political scientist and diplomat, known for his mediation in Israel and for being the first black Nobel laureate. |
| Ralph Fiennes - Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes is a renowned English actor, film producer, and director, known for his exceptional performances on stage and screen, and has received numerous prestigious awards and nominations throughout his career. |
| Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, known for founding the Ralph Lauren Corporation and his collection of rare automobiles. |
| Ralph Ellison was an American writer and scholar acclaimed for his novel Invisible Man, which earned him the National Book Award in 1953. |
| Ralph Edmund Stanley, also known as Dr. Ralph Stanley, was a renowned American bluegrass artist celebrated for his unique singing and banjo skills, and for leading The Clinch Mountain Boys. |
| Ralph Cookerly Wilson Jr. was an American businessman and sports executive, best known as the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. |
| Ralph Macchio is an American actor best known for his roles in The Karate Kid films and the Cobra Kai series, as well as other notable appearances in The Outsiders, My Cousin Vinny, and Ugly Betty. |
| Ralph Thomas Walker FAIA was an influential American architect known for his Art Deco designs, including the Barclay–Vesey Building and 1 Wall Street. |
| Ralph Puckett Jr. is a retired United States Army officer known for his leadership during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and for being the Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment. |
| Ralph Mason, also known as John Francis Mason, was an English singer renowned for his leading tenor roles with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in the 1960s and 1970s. |
| Ralph Brown - Ralph William John Brown is an English actor and writer known for his roles in Withnail and I, Alien 3, Wayne's World 2, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and Turn: Washington's Spies, as well as for winning the Samuel Beckett Award for his play Sanctuary and awards for his screenplay for New Year's Day. |
| Ralph Miller - Ralph H. Miller was a highly successful American college basketball coach with a remarkable overall record, enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. |
