Harold

Also spelled: Harald, Herold

Pronunciation: HAIR-əld

♂ Male

Old English, Old Norse

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Royal Names

Meaning

Army ruler

Origin

Germanic

About Harold

Harold carries the weight of history and a quiet strength, a name that evokes images of ancient kings and dignified gentlemen. With roots firmly in both Old English and Old Norse, meaning "army ruler," it’s a name for parents who appreciate a solid, classic choice without frills or fleeting trends. Rather than the flash of a modern invention, Harold offers a comforting familiarity, a name that has been present across centuries, from medieval battlefields to Victorian parlors and into the early 20th century. What sets Harold apart is its uniquely balanced blend of powerful meaning and gentle sound, making it a name that’s both commanding and approachable, a true testament to enduring appeal.

Quick Facts

- Pronunciation: HAIR-əld - Common nicknames: Harald, Herold

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Uncommon

Trend:Declining

Peak decade:1920s

Era:Medieval, Victorian, Early 1900s

Popularity Trends

Is Harold Right for Your Baby?

Harold is a Strong, Classic, Traditional name for boys that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Regions Where Harold Is Used

Anglo-Saxon / British

Scandinavian

Name Vibe

Strong

Classic

Traditional

Famous People Named Harold

Harold Godwinson (King of England)
Harold Wilson (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Harold Lloyd (American actor and comedian)
Harold Pinter (Nobel laureate playwright)
Harold Ramis (American actor, director, and writer)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Hal

Harry

Hal
Harry

Harold in different fonts

HaroldDancing Script

HaroldCaveat

HaroldSatisfy

HaroldPacifico

HaroldGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Harold, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic

Traditional

British

Found in these lists

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Boy Names

Traditional Saint Kitts and Nevis Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Harold

What does the name Harold mean?

Harold means "army ruler," stemming from its Old English and Old Norse origins.

Is Harold a popular name today?

Harold is currently declining in popularity, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a classic name that isn't overly common.

What does Harold mean?

Harold means "Army ruler". It is derived from Germanic.

What is the origin of Harold?

Harold originates from Old English, Old Norse. Its cultural origin is Germanic.

Is Harold a male or female name?

Harold is a male name.

How do you pronounce Harold?

Harold is pronounced "HAIR-əld".

What language does Harold come from?

Harold comes from Old English, Old Norse.

Is Harold a popular name?

Harold is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

What are variants of Harold?

Variants of Harold include Harald, Herold.

What are nicknames for Harold?

Common nicknames for Harold include Hal, Harry.

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