Ralph Lauren was born in 1939, was born Ralph Lifshitz inthe Bronks New York he's is an American fashion disignerand business executive, best known for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand. Ralph Lauren's family name was originally Lifschitz, but his father changed it to Lauren when Ralph was 15 years old. Chose a name inspired by a sport: The pole. His first collection  was inspirated by African safari and holidays in New England.