The nameRaul
Raul is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Ralph, a name of Germanic warriors.
- Boy's name
- Germanic
Meaning
Raul comes from the Germanic Radulf, from rad, "advice", and wulf, "wolf".
Origin
Germanic, through Spanish and Portuguese.
History
Raúl is a classic in Spain and Latin America. In the United States it peaked at 189th in 1980.
Famous people named Raul
- Raúl González, footballer
- Raul Julia, actor
- Raúl Castro, Cuban leader
Popularity of the name Raul
Raul in the United States
Raul was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 14,679 births over the decade, 17% of all recorded babies named Raul. Its rise began around 1920, and it peaked in 1995. Half of all babies named Raul in the United States were born before 1984, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 488 births a year on average, against 601 in the five years before.
Raul in the United Kingdom
Raul was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 306 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Raul. Half of all babies named Raul in the United Kingdom were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 30 births a year on average, against 41 in the five years before.
Raul in Switzerland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Raul
Names from the same generation as Raul, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Raul? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Raul with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Raul side by side with the name of your choice.
Raul in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Raul mean?
Raul comes from the Germanic Radulf, from rad, "advice", and wulf, "wolf".
What is the origin of the name Raul?
Germanic, through Spanish and Portuguese.
Is Raul a girl's or a boy's name?
Raul is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Raul?
In 2024, Raul was the 610th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 466 births.
What are the variants of the name Raul?
Variants and related names of Raul include Raoul.
What are good sibling names for Raul?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Carla, Linda, Alicia and Alisha for a sister, Roberto, Alberto, Ernesto and Frank for a brother.
Who are famous people named Raul?
Raúl González, footballer; Raul Julia, actor; Raúl Castro, Cuban leader.