Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Raul has its origins in Old Germanic, meaning 'counsel ruler'. It evolved from Ragwald to Raul and is commonly used in Spanish-speaking cultures. The name conveys traits of leadership and wisdom. There is no direct biblical relevance associated with the name. It gained popularity in the 20th century and continues to be well-regarded today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/raʊl/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Raul is derived from the Old Germanic name 'Ragwald', which is composed of the elements 'rag' meaning 'counsel' and 'wald' meaning 'to rule'.
Meaning
counsel ruler
Language Evolution
Ragwald, Raul, Raúl
Historical Usage
Raul gained popularity in the Spanish-speaking world during the 20th century, especially in Latin America and Spain.
Variants & Derivatives
Raúl, Ralph, Ralf
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Raul is often perceived as a strong and classic name, associated with warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Raul Jimenez, Raul Gonzalez, Raul Seixas
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,521 peak births in 1995
Geographic Spread
Popular across 39 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 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 | 456th of 7545 | 2,725 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 304th of 6773 | 6,226 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 264th of 7552 | 14,353 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 230th of 10718 | 16,052 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 217th of 16616 | 21,198 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 265th of 24088 | 20,147 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 512th of 23106 | 6,891 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5031st of 9204 | 54 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5469th of 12526 | 95 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5811th of 19264 | 136 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7171st of 27321 | 164 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 20971st of 35406 | 35 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
61.65% 873rd/1416 |
76.21% 1051st/1379 |
13.48% 319th/2366 |
16.55% 189th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
36.80% 569th/1546 |
36.95% 575th/1556 |
10.62% 250th/2353 |
10.41% 161st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
21.33% 475th/2227 |
13.50% 328th/2430 |
7.99% 228th/2853 |
6.70% 186th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.38% 393rd/2937 |
7.67% 267th/3483 |
6.51% 229th/3518 |
3.59% 145th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
10.83% 399th/3685 |
7.15% 320th/4475 |
4.29% 223rd/5194 |
2.06% 130th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.56% 438th/4582 |
8.50% 439th/5164 |
3.43% 251st/7313 |
2.56% 191st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
22.04% 878th/3984 |
20.57% 923rd/4487 |
7.08% 483rd/6822 |
5.53% 347th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
78.16% 1839th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
66.70% 1903rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
79.76% 2806th/3518 |
57.37% 2320th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
94.19% 4892nd/5194 |
47.35% 2991st/6317 |
| 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 Texas across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) 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. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl 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, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female 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 female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 456th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 304th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 264th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 230th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 217th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 265th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 512th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5031st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5469th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5811th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7171st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 20971st out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.