Ralph
Ralph comes from the Anglo-Saxon "Rædwulf" — "ræd" (counsel) and "wulf" (wolf) — meaning "wolf counsel." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), the American philosopher whose "Self-Reliance" defined American Transcendentalism, is the most famous American bearer. Ralph (the fashion designer Ralph Lauren, born 1939, who built a billion-dollar fashion empire) is the most famous modern bearer. Ralph (the actor Ralph Fiennes, born 1962, known for "Schindler's List" and the Harry Potter films) gave the name a contemporary charge. The single syllable is direct, and the "lf" cluster gives it weight. Ralph is a male name of Anglo-Saxon origin that means "Wolf counsel". Serious, mid-century, and a little literary. The name sounds direct. Ralphs tend to be principled. US peaked #32 in 1914. Outside top 500 since 2015. Well-known people named Ralph include Ralph Waldo Emerson (philosopher), Ralph Lauren (designer), Ralph Fiennes (actor), Ralph (Anglo-Saxon name). Common variations and related forms of Ralph include Rafe (English variant), Raul (Spanish), Raoul (French), Ralphie (nickname).