Ronald is a popular male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old German name Hrodnand, which consists of the elements hrod, meaning "famous," and nanth, meaning "bold." Therefore, Ronald's meaning can be translated as "bold and famous."
The name Ronald has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded instances appearing in Scotland during the 13th century. It was introduced to England by Scottish settlers and gained popularity over time.
One of the most notable figures with the name Ronald is Sir Ronald Ross, a British physician and Nobel laureate who discovered that mosquitoes transmit malaria. This helped to significantly advance research on tropical diseases and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902.
Throughout history, the name Ronald has been associated with various royals, nobles, and influential figures, further contributing to its popularity and prestige. Today, Ronald remains a widely recognized and beloved name around the world.
The name Ronald experienced a significant rise in popularity over the years, with a notable peak during the mid-20th century. From 1932 to its highest point in 1947 (with 34,900 births), Ronald was one of the most popular names for newborn boys. However, starting from the late 1960s, there has been a consistent decline in its popularity, reaching an all-time low of 456 births in 2023. Despite this decline, Ronald remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history.