Meaning, origin, history
Randal is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old Germanic elements "rand" meaning "shield" and "wald" which means "rule". Therefore, the name Randal literally translates to "powerful shield ruler".
The name has a rich history dating back to medieval times in England. It was often used as a surname before being adopted as a given name in more recent years. Some notable figures with the name Randal include Sir Randal MacDonald (1765-1843), a Scottish leader who fought against British rule, and Randal Plunkett, 1st Baron Dunsany (1878-1944), an Irish novelist and playwright.
While not as common as some other names, Randal has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked #1,356 in popularity for baby boys born in the United States in 2019. This unique name is sure to stand out and make an impression wherever it's heard.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Randal since 1880
Total births
132
Total since 1880
Peak year
1986
37 births
in 1994
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years