Ronald: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced RAH-nuhld · 2 syllables
Ronald means “advice; power”, from Germanic and Scottish and Norse.
Anglicized from Scottish Gaelic Raghnall, itself derived from Old Norse Rognvaldr, from rogn (“advice”) + valdr (“power”), later partly merged with the Continental Germanic equivalent Reynold.
- Meaning
- advice; power
- Origin
- Germanic, Scottish, Norse
- Pronunciation
- RAH-nuhld
- US rank (2025)
- #637
- US babies a year
- about 486 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage
- Nicknames
- Ron, Ronnie
How popular is Ronald?
Ronald was the #637 name in the US in 2025, given to 438 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 38% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #637 |
| England & Wales | #668 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Ronald?
Half of US adults named Ronald are older than 68; most are between 35 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Ronald
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Ronald have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Ronald
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Ronald
What does the name Ronald mean?
Ronald means “advice; power”. It comes from Germanic and Scottish and Norse.
How do you pronounce Ronald?
Ronald is pronounced RAH-nuhld.
How popular is the name Ronald?
Ronald was the #637 name in the US in 2025, given to 438 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 38% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Ronald?
Half of US adults named Ronald are older than 68. Most are between 35 and 85.