Ralph

[Darceyhemingway]

I was really shocked that Ralph was down 14 places and is at 95 on the ONS chart. I thought it was really popular. I love Ralph but I was put off by popularity but it seems to not be the case? How many do you know?

Immediately makes me think of Forever by Judy Blume. I used to work with a couple of guys called Ralph and as soon as I met them the word "Penis!" popped into my brain because of that book.

I don't think I've met any Ralphs, I just think of Ralph as the dog from the muppets who plays the piano.

But if you really like a name, just use it.

Oh yes Ralph! He stood tall snd strong or something cringey like that

I was about 10 and it was the 80s. I didn't really understand the book. 😂

never seen the spelling Ralph for Rafe

It’s the more traditional British way, eg Ralph Fiennes. I would think of the Ralf pronunciation as being more American. I would definitely assume it was pronounced Rafe if I came across one.

We need a thread for Judy books

40s woman here.
Ralph (Ralf) = penis.
Ralph (Rafe) = Ralph Fiennes.

I like the Rafe pronunciation only.

Pronounced like Ralph Fiennes is lovely, very refined.

Ralph with the L pronounced is no bueno. I also am of Judy Blume book age and have an American DH so ralphed also means puked. My father had a friend called Ralph and he was a real Onslow type so I think I just have too many negative associations! 😂

Yep Judy Blume ... and vomiting, Horrible name.

I love it! Also in 30s and never heard of any penis or vomit associations. Seems like that's just a generational thing so won't affect his peers or their parents age groups.

Truly hideous name.

Thanks for the input. The Rafe/Ralph thing confused me as I know quite few Rafes spelt Rafe but I'm happy to correct people if the pronounce it wrong.

Don't know if it's a regional thing but no one in my life associates Ralph with vomit.

The penis thing will be an issue for older people I guess but seen as I don't make the connection or have never even heard of Judy it dosent bother me and I doubt his friends will know either when he's grown up.

It's on the shortlist so we’ll see in 6 weeks. It might be a girl and we have our girls name sorted so much easier!

older people
How very dare you!

I know 1 he's 9

@Ogwen I really didn't know how to word that. Sorry. My mum hasn't heard of her either tho! Sorry 😂

I once had a snake called Ralph...because he regurgitated mice. But yeah, Judy Blume connotations for me too...lates 40s.

I’m really surprised you haven’t even heard of Judy Blume - I am 26 and read most of her books as a teen. They are pretty famous! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Blume

The penis thing will be an issue for older people I guess but seen as I don't make the connection or have never even heard of Judy it dosent bother me and I doubt his friends will know either when he's grown up.

Hate to say it OP but last year my 14 year old niece was reading it and commented that she'd never be able to look at her friend's dad again. I'm sure you can guess what his name is. The book was going round her group of friends. It's a teen classic I'm afraid

I've never met a Ralph pronounced Rafe. I have met Rafes spelled Rafe though. I think Rafe is possibly even worse than Ralf. I first came across Rafe when I overheard the name as a teenager and I thought they'd said rape initially. I can't hear Rafe without thinking rape now- they sound too similar to my ear.

I don't know any but I like it.
I prefer Ralf though.

I also came on to say Judy Blume but I think that perhaps that association is only with people of a certain age (probably in their 30s an 40s) so maybe not a big issue

Love it

My dog’s name! People say it suits him.

I know two. A 5 year old Ralph and a 7 year old Ralf.

1 in his mid 40's that i went to school with - a fat pompous child with a overly pushy mother. It's put me off the name for life!

Yes I. Know a Ralph who's a teenager now. He was always called Ralphie as a baby.