Ralf

English from German

"wolf-counsel"

Ralf Origin and Meaning

The name Ralf is a boy's name.

Ralf is a masculine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a variant spelling of Ralph. Both derive from the Old Norse 'Ráðúlfr,' combining elements meaning 'counsel' and 'wolf.' Historically, the name was brought to England by Scandinavian settlers and later reinforced by the Norman invasion. While Ralph became the standard English spelling, Ralf remained more common in Germanic countries like Germany and the Netherlands. The name carries connotations of wisdom and strength through its etymological connection to both thoughtful counsel and the wolf symbol. Though less common than Ralph in English-speaking countries, Ralf offers a slightly more continental European flair while maintaining the same historical gravitas.

Famous People Named Ralf

• Ralf Schumacher formula one race car driver