Ranald
Below 5 births
About Ranald
Ranald is a Scottish form of the Norse name Rögnvaldr, composed of 'regin' meaning 'advice' and 'valdr' meaning 'ruler.' This ancient name was brought to Scotland by Viking settlers and became established particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles. The Gaelic form is Raghnall. Historically significant through the prominent Clan Ranald (MacDonald), the name carries strong Scottish heritage associations. While never extremely common, Ranald has maintained consistent usage in Scotland. The name conveys strength and leadership qualities through its etymology. Outside Scotland, it remains relatively rare, offering distinctiveness while still being recognizable and pronounceable in most English-speaking regions.
Pronounced RAN-uld.
As of October 2026, Ranald ranked #8228 in US births in 1988 SSA, peaked at #2418 in 1914.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Ranald on lists
Famous Ranalds
- Ranald Slidell Mackenzie
US Civil War general
- Ranald Ian Mackenzie Graham
Scottish TV writer
- Ranald MacDonald
American who was the first to teach English in Japan
- Ranald Macdonald
Scottish rugby union player
- Ranald George Macdonald
Scottish MP
- Ranald Roderick Macdonald
British mathematician
- (George) Ranald MacFarlane Reid
British air vice marshal
- Ranald MacDougall
American screenwriter
- Ranald MacKinnon
Scottish army officer
- Ranald Torquil Ian Munro
British assistance defence chief