Ronald
Meaning: Wise ruler or counsel power
Origin: Old Norse/Scottish
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #115
Total births: 5,189
History: Ronald peaked in the 1950s-60s in Australia. The name carries the formality of that era. Ronald represents a more formal time in Australian culture — before the great informality revolution of the 1970s-80s transformed how Australians address each other.
Explore more at Australian Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1972) | #88 |
| Babies named Ronald in 1972 | 92 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 5,189 |
| Peak year | 1952 (495 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #24 |
| Years in records | 1952–1972 (21 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 27 spots |
Frequently asked about Ronald
What does the name Ronald mean?
Ronald means “Wise ruler or counsel power” from Old Norse/Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Ronald?
Ronald has Old Norse/Scottish origin. The traditional meaning is “Wise ruler or counsel power”.
How popular is Ronald in Australia?
Ronald ranked #88 in Australia in 1972 — given to 92 babies that year.
When was Ronald most popular?
Ronald peaked in 1952 with 495 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Ronald a boy or girl name?
Ronald is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Ronalds in registered births are male.
Is the name Ronald rising or falling in popularity?
Ronald has fallen 27 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #61 in 1967 to #88 in 1972.
How long has Ronald been recorded in Australia?
Ronald appears in birth records in Australia across 21 years — from 1952 through 1972.