What does Raoul mean and where does it come from?
Raoul is a name of both French and Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name 'Radwald,' which means 'counsel' or 'wolf.' The name has been popular in various cultures and has notable historical figures such as Raoul Wallenberg, who was a courageous diplomat during World War II. With a classic s
Cultural significance
Raoul has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wolf counsel.
Peak popularity
Reached #761 in 1897 — currently #13699 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Raoul?
Raoul works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Raoul Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Raoul Rose
Floral · soft ending
Raoul Mae
Sweet · timeless
Raoul Claire
French influence · crisp
Raoul Jane
Literary · strong
Raoul Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Raoul right now?
Falling — down 4876 spots — currently #13699 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13699 | 5 | ▼ down 4876 · -44% births |
| 2022 | #8823 | 9 | ▲ up 670 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #9493 | 8 | ▲ up 1031 · +33% births |
| 2020 | #10524 | 6 | ▼ down 2482 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #8042 | 9 | ▲ up 2742 · +50% births |
| 2010 | #10784 | 6 | ▼ down 4142 · -45% births |
| 2005 | #6642 | 11 | ▼ down 712 |
| 2000 | #5930 | 11 | ▼ down 2067 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #3863 | 16 | ▼ down 69 · +7% births |
| 1990 | #3794 | 15 | ▼ down 716 |
| 1985 | #3078 | 15 | ▼ down 791 · -32% births |
| 1980 | #2287 | 22 | ▼ down 576 · -24% births |
| 1975 | #1711 | 29 | ▼ down 357 · -24% births |
| 1970 | #1354 | 38 | ▲ up 277 · +65% births |
| 1965 | #1631 | 23 | — |
The story of Raoul
Raoul has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 2,886 total births recorded, Raoul remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #796 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13699 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Raoul in 1897:
Raoul by decade
Raoul peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7 | |
| 1890s | 26 | |
| 1900s | 29 | |
| 1910s | 289 | |
| 1920s ★ | 414 | |
| 1930s | 364 | |
| 1940s | 298 | |
| 1950s | 370 | |
| 1960s | 307 | |
| 1970s | 276 | |
| 1980s | 182 | |
| 1990s | 152 | |
| 2000s | 97 | |
| 2010s | 69 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 2,886 total births, Raoul is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Raoul?
Famous people named Raoul
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Raoul (French philosopher)
Raoul carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Raoul (French impressionist artist)
Raoul used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Raoul (medieval French noble)
Raoul held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Raoul (French author)
Raoul immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Raoul?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Raoul also consider these
How is Raoul written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Raoul
What does the name Raoul mean?
Raoul means "Wolf counsel" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Raoul?
Raoul is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Raoul?
Raoul originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Raoul sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Raoul flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Raoul ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Raoul a common or rare name?
Raoul is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.