Ralph: Meaning, Popularity, Origin of Baby Name Ralph
Origin of the name Ralph:
From the Old Norse Rađulfr, Rathulfr, a compound name composed of the elements rađ, rath (counsel) and ulfr (wolf). The name, introduced by the Scandinavians, was reinforced by the Normans, who brought in the Germanic cognate Radulf, which is from the elements rād (counsel) and wulf (wolf). The English developed their own cognate, Rædwulf, from the Old English elements ræd (counsel) and wulf (wolf). The name evolved into Rauf, Raff, and Rafe in the Middle Ages, Ralf in the 16th century, and Ralph in the 18th century.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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- Comments and insights on the name Ralph: | Edit
In England the traditional pronunciation is "rafe" but more commonly pronounced "ralf".
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Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and leading figure of the transcendentalist movement
Ralph Stanley, American bluegrass musician featured on the soundtrack to the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
Ralph Fiennes, English actor - his name is pronounced "Rafe"
Ralph Vaughan Williams, British composer - also pronounced "Rafe"
Ralph Lauren, American designer
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Ralph Kramden, lead character in the classic TV show "The Honeymooners," played by Jackie Gleason
Ralphie Parker, lead character in "A Christmas Story"
Ralph Dibney, real name of superhero "The Elongated Man" in DC comics
Ralph Wiggum, the son of the town's police chief on "The Simpsons"