Raul

Raúl or Raul is a masculine first name that is common in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-speaking regions. It represents the form of the Old French name Raoul.

What does the name Raul mean?

The first name Raúl or Raul is derived from the Old French variant Raoul and the Germanic root form Radulf. The meaning of the name encompasses 'the counsel-giving wolf', 'the advice of the wolf', as well as 'the counsel of the wolf'. Its origins lie in the Old High German language and consist of the elements rāt or ráð for 'the counsel', 'the advisor', or 'the advice' and wolf or úlfr for 'the wolf'. The name spread through the Normans in various regions. There are diverse spellings, including Raúl (Spanish), Raul (Italian and Portuguese), and Raül (Catalan). Other variants include Radolf, Radulph, and Radolph. Short forms include Ralf and Ralph (English) as well as Raul (Italian and Spanish). In the Frisian region, forms such as Redelf, Redolf, Reelf, and Relef can be found. In the Middle Ages, spellings like Rathold, Radolt, Ratold, Radulfus, Rodulf, and Rodulfus were also common.

Where does the name Raul come from?

The first name Raul has its roots in Old High German and Germanic languages. It is derived from the names Radulf, Radolf, or Ralf and is based on the terms rāt for 'the counsel', 'the advisor', or 'the advice' as well as wolf for 'the wolf'.

How do you pronounce Raul?

The name Raul is perceived as two syllables with a vocal emphasis. Typically, it is pronounced as 'Ra-ul' [ʁaˈuːl], with the first syllable featuring an open A sound and a rolled or aspirated r. The second syllable has a long U sound, and the final l provides a soft sound conclusion. Raul sounds melodious and self-assured and has a harmonious structure with a southern flair.

When is the name day of Raul?

The name day for Raul is celebrated on June 21.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Raul enjoys great popularity and currently ranks 839th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2000 at 228th. In the last ten years, Raul has been given as a first name around 750 times, placing it 664th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 595th. Worldwide, the name shows similar popularity.

Nicknames & pet names

Ralle / Ralli / Rallo / Rara / Ratsch / Ratschi / Rauli / Rulli / Ulli

Famous people

• José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera (Cuban chess player & diplomat)
• Raúl Albiol (Spanish national footballer at Real Madrid)
• Raul Arseno Casado (Archbishop from Argentina)
• Raul Beceyro (Film director from Argentina)
• Raul Brandao (Portuguese writer)
• Raul Cardozo (Argentinian footballer)
• Raul Castro (Cuban president, brother of Fidel Castro)
• Raul DaSilva (American film director)
• Raul Diago (Volleyball player from the USA)
• Raúl Esparza (Actor, musical performer)
• Raul Gonzalez (American boxer)
• Raúl Gonzalez (Footballer)
• Raul Henrique Castro e Silva de Vincenzi (Brazilian basketball player)
• Raul Hirales (Mexican boxer)
• Raul Horacio Baldessari (Football player from Argentina)
• Raul Isac (Australian footballer)
• Raul Javiel Cabrera (Uruguayan artist)
• Raul Lange (German actor)
• Raul Maldonado (Argentinian footballer)
• Raul Marincau (Romanian football player)