Raul

♂ Boy

Pronounced rah-OOL /rɑˈul/High

Meaning: Spanish and Portuguese form of Ralph/Raoul, from Old French Raoul, itself from Germanic Radulf composed of rad ('counsel') + wulf ('wolf'), meaning 'wolf counsel' or 'wise counsel.'High

In 30 seconds: Raul is the sleek Spanish and Portuguese form of Ralph, a Germanic name meaning 'wolf counsel.' It has been a stalwart in Latin American communities and is beloved for its confident, masculine sound.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighGermanic, Old French

MeaningSpanish and Portuguese form of Ralph/Raoul, from Old French Raoul, itself from Germanic Radulf composed of rad ('counsel') + wulf ('wolf'), meaning 'wolf counsel' or 'wise counsel.'

U.S. rank (2025)#634 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births440 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 88,032

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Raul derives from the Germanic compound Radulf (later Radulf → Raoul in Old French → Raul in Spanish/Portuguese). The Germanic elements rad ('counsel') and wulf ('wolf') together suggest wisdom and strength. The name was brought to the Iberian Peninsula via Norman and Frankish influence.

Raul has been a standard given name in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world for centuries. In the United States it has been a consistent top-500 name driven by Latin American immigration. Famous bearers include revolutionary Raúl Castro and tennis champion Raúl (though spelled without the accent in common U.S. usage).

Did you know? The name traces back through Norman French Raoul to the Viking-era Germanic name Hrólf — the same root that gave us Rollo, the legendary Norse chieftain who founded Normandy and whose descendants conquered England in 1066.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Raul — etymology and variantsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RaúlRalphRaoulRadulf

Nicknames

RauRalito

Famous Bearers

★Raúl Castro (1931–present)
Cuban politician and revolutionary who served as President of Cuba and led the Communist Party of Cuba.

If you like Raul…

Rodrigo— shares the strong, classic Spanish sound and Latin American popularity

Marco— fellow Romance name with a bold, two-syllable masculine feel

Hector— another classic Spanish name with a warrior resonance

Diego— similarly crisp and confident Spanish name popular across the Americas

Frequently Asked

What does the name Raul mean?

Raul is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Ralph, from Germanic meaning 'wolf counsel' or 'wise counsel,' composed of rad ('counsel') and wulf ('wolf').

How do you pronounce Raul?

Raul is pronounced rah-OOL /rɑˈul/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Raul a boy or girl name?

Raul is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Raul?

Raul has been in the U.S. top 500 for decades, consistently popular in Latin American communities.