The name Randal is of Germanic origin, deriving from the Old German word "rent" meaning "shield" and "wahl" meaning "rule" or "leader". It is believed to have first emerged as a personal name during the Middle Ages, around the 8th or 9th century AD.

The earliest recorded use of the name Randal can be traced back to the 11th century, where it was found in various medieval records and chronicles across Europe. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Randal de Gernon, a Norman nobleman who lived in the late 11th century and fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England.

In the 12th century, Randal was a relatively popular name among the Anglo-Norman aristocracy in England. One notable figure was Randal de Blundeville, Earl of Chester, who lived from around 1170 to 1232 and was a prominent military leader and nobleman during the reign of King John.

The name Randal also appears in various literary works from the Middle Ages, including the epic poem "Beowulf" where it is mentioned as the name of a Danish warrior. It is also found in some early English and Scottish ballads and folktales, highlighting its widespread use across different cultures.

During the Renaissance period, the name Randal gained popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in England and Scotland. One notable bearer of the name was Randal McDonnell, an Irish chieftain and leader of the McDonnell clan in the 16th century, who played a significant role in the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

In more recent history, several notable individuals have borne the name Randal, including Randal Cremer (1828-1908), a British politician and pacifist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1903. Another notable figure was Randal Kleiser (born 1946), an American film director known for directing films such as "Grease" and "The Blue Lagoon".