Ronald
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Wise ruler or counsel power
Origin: Old Norse/Scottish
Popularity: Ranked #638 in 2025 with 438 babies born.
History: Ronald is the Scottish form of Rögnvaldr, an Old Norse name combining 'regin' (counsel, power) and 'valdr' (ruler). It was common in Scotland during the medieval period and spread through English-speaking countries. President Ronald Reagan and the McDonald's mascot Ronald McDonald are among its most recognizable 20th-century associations.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Ronald? About 1 in 7,599 babies born in 2025 were named Ronald, or roughly 1.2 per day in the United States.
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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?
Ronald ranked #637 in 2025 — given to 438 babies that year.
When was Ronald most popular?
Ronald peaked in 1947 with 34,900 babies registered that year.
Is Ronald a boy or girl name?
Ronald is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Ronalds in registered births are male.
Is the name Ronald rising or falling in popularity?
Ronald has fallen 79 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #558 in 2020 to #637 in 2025.
How long has Ronald been recorded?
Ronald appears in birth records across 142 years — from 1883 through 2025.