Pronunciation /ˈrɒnld/ Word/name Rögnvaldr | Gender Masculine Derivation regin + valdr | |
Ronald (/ˈrɒnld/) is a masculine given name derived from the Old Norse Rögnvaldr. In some cases Ronald is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Raghnall, a name likewise derived from Rögnvaldr. The latter name is composed of the Old Norse elements regin ("advice", "decision") and valdr ("ruler"). Ronald was originally used in England and Scotland, where Scandinavian influences were once substantial, although now the name is common throughout the English-speaking world. A short form of Ronald is Ron. Pet forms of Ronald include Roni, and Ronnie. A feminine form of Ronald is Ronalda. Rhona, a modern name apparently only dating back to the late nineteenth century, may have originated as a feminine form of Ronald. The names Renaud/Renault and Reynold/Reinhold are cognates from French and German, respectively.