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Harold

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAIR-uld /ˈhɛər.əld/High

Meaning: From Old English Hereweald or Old Norse Haraldr, composed of here meaning army and weald or valdr meaning ruler or power, giving the full meaning army ruler or commander of warriorsHigh

In 30 seconds: Harold is a storied Old Norse and Old English name meaning army ruler. Borne by a Viking king and the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, it has a heroic historical weight and a quiet vintage dignity ripe for revival.
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Origin HighOld Norse, Old English
MeaningFrom Old English Hereweald or Old Norse Haraldr, composed of here meaning army and weald or valdr meaning ruler or power, giving the full meaning army ruler or commander of warriors
U.S. rank (2025)#993 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births230 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 551,628

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Harold combines Old English here (army) and weald (ruler), a pattern common in Anglo-Saxon names. King Harold II of England (c. 1022–1066) was the final English king before the Norman Conquest.

Harold peaked in U.S. popularity in the early 20th century and is now considered a vintage name. It is part of the growing wave of older masculine names being rediscovered, alongside Herbert, Walter, and Earl.

Did you know? Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 — the event that ended the Anglo-Saxon era and began Norman rule. His death is famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which may show an arrow in his eye.
Overall data confidence 94%
Behind the Name — Harold — Old Norse and Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HaraldHarry

Nicknames

HarryHal

Famous Bearers

  • ★Harold II of England (1022–1066)
    The last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who died at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, ending the Anglo-Saxon era and beginning the Norman period of English history.

If you like Harold…

Walter— same Old Germanic warrior name with mid-century vintage dignity
Herbert— shares the Old English army-bright compound and the vintage revival wave
Arthur— same storied Old English/Celtic legendary name on the vintage comeback trail
William— shares the Old Norman conquest-era warrior name and enduring classic status

Frequently Asked

What does the name Harold mean?

Harold means army ruler or commander of warriors, from Old Norse Haraldr combining here (army) and valdr (ruler).

How do you pronounce Harold?

It is said HAIR-uld, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Harold an old-fashioned name?

Harold peaked in the early 20th century and is considered vintage today. It is beginning a quiet revival alongside names like Walter, Herbert, and Earl.

What is the nickname for Harold?

The most common nicknames for Harold are Harry and Hal.