An uncommon Old Norse pick — distinctive and rare.
a male given name
Ralf is a boy's baby name of Old Norse origin, the traditional Germanic form of Ralph, derived from Ráðúlfr meaning 'wolf counsel' or 'wise wolf,' from ráð (counsel) and úlfr (wolf). It has been used in Germany, Scandinavia, and England since the Viking Age.
A name with ancient Norse roots and medieval European usage, Ralf is Ralph with its original Continental spelling — for families who want the history without the anglicization.
Ralf has 42+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1920.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | — |
| 2010s | 5 | — |
| 1990s | 5 | — |
| 1980s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 38 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 102 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 55 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 12 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 24 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 53 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #13722 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13580 |
| 1994 | 5 | #9910 |
| 1980 | 5 | #7043 |
| 1977 | 6 | #5673 |
| 1976 | 6 | #5447 |
| 1975 | 5 | #6108 |
| 1974 | 5 | #5811 |
| 1972 | 5 | #5558 |
| 1971 | 6 | #4785 |
| 1970 | 5 | #5263 |
| 1969 | 6 | #4297 |
| 1968 | 11 | #2694 |
| 1967 | 5 | #4412 |
| 1966 | 5 | #4393 |
| 1965 | 14 | #2243 |
| 1964 | 13 | #2386 |
| 1963 | 19 | #1882 |
| 1962 | 8 | #3238 |
| 1961 | 10 | #2854 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1920–2024) · Methodology