Randulf

Randulf is a masculine given name of Germanic origin that has appeared in various forms across medieval Northern Europe. In historical records and literature, Randulf shows up in English, Norse, and continental Germanic sources, and it is closely related to later names such as Randolf, Randolph, and Randall. In Scandinavian contexts the form Randulfr is found in Old Norse, reflecting earlier spelling conventions.

Etymology and meaning are usually explained as a compound of two Germanic elements. The first part, rand- or rand, is commonly interpreted as meaning shield, edge, or border, while the second part, -ulf or -ulf, denotes wolf. Together, Randulf is typically understood as a compound name meaning something like “shield-wolf” or “edge-wolf.” Over time, the name spawned a family of variants across languages, including Randolf, Randolph, Randell, and Randall.

Historical usage and distribution show Randulf occurring among clerics, nobles, and laypersons in medieval England, Scandinavia, and the Holy Roman Empire. It appears in charters, sagas, and religious writings, often in modest or regional contexts rather than as the name of a single prominent figure. The form persisted in some places into later centuries, sometimes evolving into the more common modern variants.

In contemporary usage, Randulf is relatively uncommon as a given name in most English-speaking countries, though it survives in historical or revived forms. More widespread are its derivatives such as Randall and Randolph. The name remains of interest to onomasts and historians tracing medieval naming practices and the cross-cultural transmission of Germanic names.