Randolph is a name of English origin, derived from the Germanic elements "rand" meaning "shield" and "wulf" meaning "wolf". It is believed to have been brought to England by Norman invaders in the 11th century and has since become a popular name in English-speaking countries.
The name Randolph was originally used as a surname before becoming a given name. It was first recorded as a surname in the Domesday Book of 1086, which is an inventory of England taken by William the Conqueror after his invasion in 1066. The name is thought to have been brought to England by a Norman knight named Ranulf de Guader.
The name Randolph has several notable historical figures associated with it, including Randolph Churchill, who was the father of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. It has also been used as a title in the British nobility, most famously by the Dukes of Chandos.
Today, Randolph is still used as both a first and last name in English-speaking countries, although its usage has decreased somewhat over time. It remains a name with a rich history and a strong association with England's past.
The name Randolph has seen a steady but modest presence in the United States over the past few decades, as evidenced by the birth statistics provided. Between 1951 and 1960, there were a total of 16 babies named Randolph across the nation.
The peak years for the name appeared to be 1956 and 1960, with six and five births respectively during those years. However, it's worth noting that even at its highest points, Randolph was not an extremely common name, as these figures represent only a small fraction of total births in any given year.
Despite this, the consistent presence of Randolph throughout the decade suggests that it has maintained a level of popularity and is still chosen by parents for their newborns. It will be interesting to observe whether this trend continues or changes in future years.