Harold
Harold is an boy name of Old English and Old Norse origin, meaning “Army ruler”.
| Meaning | Army ruler |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old English and Old Norse |
| Pronunciation | HAIR-old |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States, Norway |
Meaning and origin of Harold
Harold comes from Old English Hereweald, from here, army, and weald, power or rule, with a close Old Norse counterpart Haraldr. It was borne by Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, killed at Hastings in 1066, and by Harald Hardrada of Norway, who fell at Stamford Bridge weeks earlier. After centuries of neglect it revived strongly in the nineteenth century.
Is Harold a religious name?
Harold has no religious background; it is a Germanic royal name.
How popular is Harold?
Popular in the early twentieth century; now seeing a modest revival in Britain.
Gifts with the name Harold
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Spellings and variants of Harold
Names similar to Harold
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harold mean?
Harold means 'Army ruler'. It is of Old English and Old Norse origin.
Does Harold have a religious meaning?
Harold has no religious background; it is a Germanic royal name.
How do you pronounce Harold?
Harold is pronounced HAIR-old.
Is Harold a boy or girl name?
Harold is usually a boy name.