The name Raoul has its origins in the Germanic languages, deriving from the Old Norse name Radulf or Rodulf. It is composed of the elements "rad" meaning counsel or advice, and "ulf" meaning wolf. The name essentially carries the meaning of "wise wolf" or "sagacious wolf."

In the early medieval period, the name Raoul was particularly prevalent in Normandy and other regions of northern France. It was introduced to England and other parts of the British Isles following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Raoul can be found in the medieval French epic poem, The Song of Roland, which dates back to around the late 11th century. In this literary work, Raoul is depicted as a valiant knight and loyal companion of the legendary hero, Roland.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Raoul. One such example is Raoul de Cambrai (c. 1020 - c. 1089), a French knight and feudal lord who is the central character in a 12th-century chanson de geste (epic poem) bearing his name.

Another prominent historical figure with this name was Raoul Glaber (c. 985 - c. 1047), a Benedictine monk and chronicler from Burgundy, known for his valuable historical accounts of the 11th century.

In the realm of art, Raoul Dufy (1877 - 1953) was a French Fauvist painter renowned for his vibrant and colorful depictions of life in France during the early 20th century.

The name Raoul has also been associated with royalty, as exemplified by Prince Raoul of Hesse and by Rhine (1901 - 1928), a German prince and grandson of Queen Victoria.

Lastly, one cannot overlook the renowned French author and philosopher, Raoul Vaneigem (born 1934), who was a prominent figure in the Situationist International movement and is best known for his influential book, "The Revolution of Everyday Life."