Harold

What does the baby name Harold mean? Learn about what Harold means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Harold - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Harold: H-A-R-O-L-D, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Harold: HER-əld; HAR rold
Meaning of Harold: Ruler of the army, army ruler, powerful man in the army, war chief.
Origin of Harold: The name 'Harold' has its origins in the Old English language. It is derived from the elements 'here', meaning 'army', and 'weald', meaning 'ruler' or 'power'. Therefore, the name 'Harold' can be interpreted to mean 'ruler of the army' or 'army ruler'. It is believed to have been brought to England by the Vikings during the 9th century.; American Names; Danish Names; English Names; Hungarian Names; Norman Names; Norse Names; Norwegian Names; Old English Names; Old Norse Names; Pirate Names; Scandinavian Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Harold: Arald; Araldo; Aralt; Aroldo; Arry; Garald; Garold; Hal; Haldon; Harailt; Harald; Haraldas; Haralds; Haroldas; Harry; Herold; Herrick
Popularity of Harold: Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Harold' has experienced fluctuations. It reached its peak in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. During this time, 'Harold' was a common name given to baby boys. However, its popularity has declined in recent years, and it is now considered a less common name.; Harold currently has 124 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Paxton is slightly more popular than Harold.

Earliest Known Use of Harold

The earliest known use of the name 'Harold' can be traced back to the 11th century. It gained popularity during the reign of King 'Harold' II of England, who famously fought in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. King 'Harold' II's reign was short-lived, but his name left a lasting impact on history.

Etymology of Harold

The etymology of the name 'Harold' can be traced back to the Old English elements 'here' and 'weald', as mentioned earlier. These elements were combined to form the name 'Harold', which has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. The linguistic roots of the name highlight its connection to power and leadership.

Cultural Significance of Harold

The name 'Harold' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In English history, it is associated with King 'Harold' II and the Norman Conquest. It also carries a sense of nobility and strength. In Norse mythology, the name 'Harold' is linked to the god Odin, who was considered the ruler of the gods and the god of war and wisdom. This connection further emphasizes the name's association with power and leadership.