Ralphie is a classic male given name of English origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ralph', meaning 'wolf' or 'council', and '-fred', meaning 'peace'. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to its use by several saints and royal figures, such as Ralph deodatus, an 11th-century Italian saint, and Ralph the Timid, a Norman nobleman. The name was further popularized in England through the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Ralphie is a diminutive form of Ralph, often used as a familiar or affectionate nickname.
The name Ralphie has experienced periods of popularity and decline over the years. With a total of 116 births recorded since 1958, its peak was reached in the late 70s to early 80s, with around 7-9 births per year from 1974 to 1983. However, after 2000, there has been a resurgence of interest in the name, with 5 or more births occurring annually since 2001.