Randal
/ˈræn.dəl/noun
A masculine given name and surname, commonly regarded as a variant of Randall or Randolph.
Did you know?Randal is a reduced form of names such as Randolph, whose wolf element belongs to the same ancient word family as English wolf, Greek lykos, and Latin lupus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*randaz + *wulfaz
“Shield rim or edge + wolf; the compound conveyed the image of a protective or martial wolf.”
Old High German
Old High German
Rantwulf
“A personal name formed from the elements meaning “shield rim” and “wolf.””
Old Norse
Old Norse
Rǫndulfr
“A related Germanic personal-name form combining rǫnd, “shield,” with ulfr, “wolf.””
Middle English
English
Randolf / Randulf
“Medieval English forms of the Germanic personal name.”
14th–15th Century
English
Randall / Randal
“Shortened and variant forms developed from Randolph and related medieval name forms.”
Modern English
English
Randal
“A modern masculine given name and surname.”