Because people like to appear posher than they actually are. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. What 80's Horror Movie does a kid yell the "F" word (the word that's offensive toward LBGT community)? It means “As wise as a wolf,” (derived from the Old Norse Raðulfr which comes from rað "counsel" and ulfr "wolf"). This little fella is called Ralph (pronounced Rafe). (As well as Mr Fiennes, there's also the actor Timothy Spall's actor son, but he writes it as 'Rafe'....) A student dies. share. I could be totally wrong, and it wouldn't be the first time. Ralph is definitely not a Welsh spelling, but I can't actually think of a way to make someone say 'rafe' in Welsh - maybe reiff? The pronunciation evolved from that. I believe it's Austrian.......I think I remember that. 4 comments. The man who did the movie The Substitute (i do not know his name) was he an elite actor? Think it's a Welsh pronunciation of it. The pronunciation evolved from that. Makes sense for the difference. 'A slap in the face': Families of COVID victims slam Trump, Chris Pratt in hot water for voting-related joke. If I (from the bottom of the proletariat) were to call my son Ralph- but-pronounced-Rafe, it would probably signal I was aspiring to higher things, on the other hand. Stalwart GOP senator says he's quitting politics, NBC announcers seem annoyed over mask request, Dem sweep could be good for economy: Goldman Sachs, Mockery galore after Trump's 'don’t be afraid' tweet, CDC makes fundamental change to virus guidelines, Trump resisted Pence as VP pick, ex-aide says, McDonald's is launching a new celebrity meal, GOP senator criticizes Trump: 'He let his guard down'. Because some people are pretentious twats. It means “As wise as a wolf,” (derived from the Old Norse Raðulfr which comes from rað "counsel" and ulfr "wolf"). Also St John as a first name is pronounced sin-jun or sin-gin depending on your accent. Is this some "Olde English" thing? Wikipedia suggests it has old English and Norse origins. Why is Ralph Fiennes name pronounced "Rafe"? But the spelling retained the L, which over time became voiced (again) by some people. As in Ralph Vaughn Williams or Ralph Fiennes? It's just the way it's pronounced. We pronounce the name of Magdalen college and villages called Magdalen as Maud-lyn for some reason. I hear it both ways here in the US, but most often as Rafe. BUT, I can tell you that it's the same as us pronouncing Jeremiah the way we do and the Serbs pronounce it like Yeremia. What is a movie that has the same vibes as Edgar Allan's Annabel Lee? Which one of those is your favorite movie intercultural couples, friendships, and partnership of all time? The Norman "Radulf" (Radulphus) became "Raulf" - and "Raoul" in France. Still have questions? So why is the name Ralph pronounced Rafe? What are some very good father-son movies ? It is also a surname and often a nickname of Rudolph, a name deriving from two stems: Hrōþi, Hruod, Hróðr or Hrōð, meaning "fame", "glory" , and olf meaning "wolf". Rafe Fines. Press J to jump to the feed. 100% Upvoted. I’ve heard both with the same spelling. "Ralph" is a modern spelling-pronunciation, and hence associated with the newly literate in an age of general literacy. 0 0. It read some where, a long time ago. A campus wakes up about COVID-19. Get your answers by asking now. Is this some "Olde English" thing? I assume it's from old spelling and pronunciation. http://www.ralphfiennes-jenniferlash.com/rfpron.ht... Why is Ralph Fiennes name pronounced "Rafe"? hide. The #1 subreddit for Brits and non-Brits to ask questions about all kinds of UK topics. What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen? If Scar (from "The Lion King") was the good guy. Read this* at uni fifty years ago, when the prof used "Ralph", not "Rafe". But could be wrong. I have no idea why. save. Lol true, I usually hear it on the classical music station and our Public Broadcasting System. Amy W. 1 decade ago. I live in a village originally called Magdalen but we changed its name to Maudlin as no one could spell it. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. I suspect it probably an upper class thing - I once dog sat a dog with that name for some ridiculous wealthy people, “Rafe” is the traditional Old English pronunciation of Ralph. Ah, I see. "Rafe" is the traditional English pronunciation. I hear it both ways here in the US, but most often as Rafe. Ralph is an English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, Scandinavian, and German masculine given name, derived from the Old Norse Raðulfr (rað "counsel" and ulfr "wolf") through Old English Rædwulf and the longer form Radulf. I've never heard someone pronounce it as "Rafe". The L was not voiced, though today, most Brits would voice the L if they saw “Ralph.”. As in Ralph Vaughn Williams or Ralph Fiennes? The name is Welsh and that is how they pronounce the name. Sort by Source(s): ralph fiennes pronounced quot rafe quot: https://tr.im/weisJ. But the spelling retained the L, which became voiced (again) by some people, particularly Americans. report.