Ralph
How to say it: RALF · /ˈrælf/
From Old Norse 'Raðúlfr' or Old English 'Rædwulf', meaning counsel wolf — wise protector.
Ralph was the 945th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 211 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are up about 13% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #974 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #945 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 211 |
| Share of births | 1 in 15,712 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | +13% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #974 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,664 among boys’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established, Ralph reached its height in the 1910s. Now far below that height, it will likely drift lower ahead.
What goes with it
Gruff yet soft with breathy edges, Ralph carries a sturdy calm. Walter and Harold share its style.
Nicknames
- Ralphie
Honouring a Ralph in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Ralph is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #1,664 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #96. Ireland: #397.
Famous people named Ralph
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)American philosopher
- Ralph Fiennes (born 1962)English actor, director and producer
- Ralph Nader (born 1934)American lawyer and activist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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