Ronald is a masculine given name derived from the Old Norse Rögnvaldr,[2] or possibly from Old English Regenweald.
[3] In some cases Ronald is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Raghnall, a name likewise derived from Rögnvaldr.
[4] The latter name is composed of the Old Norse elements regin ("advice", "decision") and valdr ("ruler").
[5] 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.
[7] Rhona, a modern name apparently only dating back to the late nineteenth century, may have originated as a feminine form of Ronald.