Ralph

Ralph is an Old Norse name (Ráðúlfr), a compound of rad (counsel) and ulfr (wolf), meaning 'counsel wolf' or 'wise wolf.' It entered English through the Old English Radulf and became a common medieval English name. Ralph has a long history as a sturdy, no-nonsense English name, falling somewhat out of fashion in recent decades but currently enjoying a quiet rehabilitation as vintage names return to favor.

Ralph is a name with genuine old-dog energy — not in terms of age, but in terms of character. It suits a companion with a settled, confident, slightly opinionated personality: the dog who has a specific chair that is his, specific opinions about what time dinner should be served, and a look that conveys profound disappointment when expectations are not met. There is a wonderful directness to Ralph that makes it feel completely honest. This is not a name given to please anyone else; it's a name given to a pet whose personality absolutely demanded it.