Raoul
Every Raoul since 1880 — 2,915 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Raoul
Raoul is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1880, 2,915 American babies have been named Raoul. Its peak came in 1928, when 53 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Raoul stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Raoul year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | 5 | #13,783 |
| 2023 | 5 | #13,709 |
| 2022 | 9 | #8,831 |
| 2021 | 8 | #9,497 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11,681 |
| 2019 | 7 | #10,561 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10,487 |
| 2017 | 13 | #6,591 |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | 9 | #8,570 |
| 2014 | 6 | #11,800 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10,479 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9,507 |
| 2011 | 6 | #11,934 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11,858 |
| 2009 | 14 | #6,358 |
| 2008 | 9 | #8,852 |
| 2007 | 10 | #8,037 |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | 11 | #7,003 |
| 2004 | 11 | #6,879 |
| 2003 | 10 | #7,124 |
| 2002 | 15 | #5,084 |
| 2001 | 6 | #10,253 |
| 2000 | 11 | #6,218 |
| 1995 | 16 | #4,007 |
| 1990 | 15 | #3,924 |
| 1985 | 15 | #3,181 |
| 1980 | 22 | #2,345 |
| 1975 | 29 | #1,744 |
| 1970 | 38 | #1,366 |
| 1965 | 23 | #1,660 |
| 1960 | 34 | #1,378 |
| 1955 | 44 | #1,131 |
| 1950 | 34 | #1,251 |
| 1945 | 25 | #1,341 |
| 1940 | 35 | #1,125 |
| 1935 | 37 | #1,073 |
| 1930 | 45 | #1,033 |
| 1925 | 42 | #1,089 |
| 1920 | 38 | #1,177 |
| 1915 | 42 | #976 |
| 1910 | 8 | #1,288 |
| 1905 | 8 | #989 |
| 1900 | 6 | #1,278 |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | 7 | #862 |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | 7 | #794 |
Famous people named Raoul
- Raoul Wallenberg Diplomat · 1912–1947
- Raoul Dufy Painter · 1877–1953
- Raoul Hausmann Painter · 1886–1971
- Raoul Walsh Film director · 1887–1980
- Raoul Salan Military personnel · 1899–1984
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Raoul in 2025?
Raoul did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Raoul?
2,915 babies have been named Raoul in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Raoul most popular?
Raoul peaked in 1928, when 53 newborns received the name.
Is Raoul a boy or girl name?
Raoul is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Raoul rising or falling?
Raoul is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Raoul?
Well-known people named Raoul include Raoul Wallenberg (diplomat), Raoul Dufy (painter), Raoul Hausmann (painter).