Randolph

boyOld Norse and Old English

Randolph is an boy name of Old Norse and Old English origin, meaning “Shield wolf”.

MeaningShield wolf
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse and Old English
PronunciationRAN-dolf
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Randolph

Randolph comes from the Germanic elements rand, 'shield' (originally the rim of a shield), and wulf, 'wolf'. The Old Norse form Randúlfr came to England with Scandinavian settlers and was reinforced by the Norman form Randolf. It was a medieval aristocratic name, and Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, was a commander under Robert the Bruce in Scotland. In the US it is linked with figures such as Randolph Scott and Randolph Hearst.

Is Randolph a religious name?

Randolph has no religious background; it is an old Germanic warrior-style name.

How popular is Randolph?

An uncommon, traditional name today, often shortened to Randy or Dolph.

Gifts with the name Randolph

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Spellings and variants of Randolph

RandolfRandallRandulfRandy

Names similar to Randolph

RudolphRupertRaymondRadford

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Randolph mean?

Randolph means 'Shield wolf'. It is of Old Norse and Old English origin.

Does Randolph have a religious meaning?

Randolph has no religious background; it is an old Germanic warrior-style name.

How do you pronounce Randolph?

Randolph is pronounced RAN-dolf.

Is Randolph a boy or girl name?

Randolph is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.