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Ralston

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAWL-stun /ˈrɔl.stən/High

Meaning: An English surname, 'Ralph's town/settlement' (from Ralph, 'wise wolf', + tun, 'town')Low

In 30 seconds: From Ralph's town/settlement: Ralston is an English surname. Crisp, classic, and warm.

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Origin LowEnglish, Germanic

MeaningAn English surname, 'Ralph's town/settlement' (from Ralph, 'wise wolf', + tun, 'town')

U.S. rank (2025)#10434 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 931

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ralston is an English surname, 'Ralph's town/settlement' (from Ralph, 'wise wolf', + tun, 'town'). A crisp, classic name (said 'RAWL-stun').

In the U.S. it appears as a surname-turned-given-name. Rare, Ralph's-town at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Ralston is an English surname, 'Ralph's town/settlement' (Ralph, 'wise wolf', + tun, 'town') — a crisp, classic name (said 'RAWL-stun').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Ralston — English surname

Variations

RallstonRalstan

Nicknames

Ral

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ralston…

Ralphie— a kin Ralph- boys' name

Preston— a fellow -ston boys' name

Kingston— a companion -ston boys' name

Renton— shares the -on ending

Ripton— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Ralston

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ralston mean?

Ralston is an English surname, 'Ralph's town/settlement' (Ralph, 'wise wolf', + tun, 'town').

How do you pronounce Ralston?

It's said RAWL-stun /ˈrɔl.stən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ralston a boy or girl name?

Ralston is a boy's name.

How popular is Ralston?

Ralston is a very rare name in the U.S.