Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Raoul is a name of Old German origin, meaning 'counsel wolf.' It evolved from Radulf to Ralph and then to Raoul. The name has historical significance and traits associated with nobility and strength. It has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/raʊl/
Origin
Old German
Etymology
The name Raoul is derived from the Old German name Radulf, which is composed of the elements 'rad,' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice,' and 'wulf,' meaning 'wolf.'
Meaning
counsel wolf
Language Evolution
Radulf, Ralph, Raoul
Historical Usage
The name Raoul gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility, and has remained in use in various forms across Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Ralph, Rafaël, Rauol
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Raoul is perceived as a classic and somewhat sophisticated name, often associated with French culture and elegance.
Famous People
Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat, Raoul Duke, fictional character from 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 53 peak births in 1928
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in Maine
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1113th of 7545 | 628 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1149th of 6773 | 641 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1307th of 7552 | 663 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1724th of 10718 | 431 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3266th of 16616 | 272 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7018th of 24088 | 158 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9506th of 23106 | 82 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
39.30% 542nd/1379 |
55.20% 1306th/2366 |
85.99% 982nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
67.27% 1040th/1546 |
42.87% 667th/1556 |
81.73% 1923rd/2353 |
38.40% 594th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
40.91% 994th/2430 |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
29.33% 814th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
38.82% 1352nd/3483 |
- |
27.47% 1111th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
47.51% 3001st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Maine across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1113th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1149th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1307th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1724th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3266th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7018th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9506th out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.