Ralph
Ralph first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1921, when 8,860 boys were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Ralph popular?
Vintage Ralph is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1921.
| 2020s | 1,113 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 1,978 | |
| 2000s | 2,779 | |
| 1990s | 4,474 | |
| 1980s | 7,998 | |
| 1970s | 14,755 | |
| 1960s | 34,190 | |
| 1950s | 60,440 | |
| 1940s | 64,983 | |
| 1930s | 63,802 | |
| 1920s | 84,466 | |
| 1910s | 52,522 | |
| 1900s | 9,298 | |
| 1890s | 6,951 | |
| 1880s | 4,269 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Ralph mean?
Contracted from the Germanic/Old Norse name Radulf (Radulfr, Old English Raedwulf), combining 'rad' ('counsel, advice') and 'wulf/ulfr' ('wolf'), hence 'counsel wolf'.
Names like Ralph
english names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Ralph
Popular english names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Ralph
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ralph mean?
Ralph means counsel wolf. Contracted from the Germanic/Old Norse name Radulf (Radulfr, Old English Raedwulf), combining 'rad' ('counsel, advice') and 'wulf/ulfr' ('wolf'), hence 'counsel wolf'.
What is the origin of the name Ralph?
Ralph is of english origin.
How do you pronounce Ralph?
Ralph is pronounced “RALF.”
Is Ralph a boy or a girl name?
Ralph is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Ralph a popular name right now?
Ralph is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1921.
How popular is the name Ralph?
In 2025, Ralph ranked #1048 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ralph most popular?
Ralph was most popular in 1921, when about 8,860 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Ralph?
Names similar to Ralph include Grayson, Hudson, Lincoln, Cooper, Landon.
What names go well with Ralph?
english names that pair well with Ralph include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Joan, Mason.