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Home › Baby Names Directory › Harald

Harald

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAH-rald /ˈhɑ.rɑld/Medium

Meaning: A Scandinavian form of Harold — from Old Norse Haraldr, 'army ruler; ruler of the host' (herr, 'army', plus valdr, 'ruler')Medium

In 30 seconds: Army ruler; ruler of the army: Harald is the Norse Harold — 'army ruler'. Crisp, regal, and warm (said 'HAH-rald').
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Origin MediumNorse
MeaningA Scandinavian form of Harold — from Old Norse Haraldr, 'army ruler; ruler of the host' (herr, 'army', plus valdr, 'ruler')
U.S. rank (2025)#5953 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1925
Total births (all-time)≈ 808

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192519132025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Harald is a Scandinavian form of Harold — from Old Norse Haraldr, 'army ruler; ruler of the host' (herr, 'army', plus valdr, 'ruler'). Borne by Norwegian and Danish kings (Harald Bluetooth, Harald V of Norway). A crisp, regal name (said 'HAH-rald'; nickname Hari).

In the U.S. it appears in Scandinavian families. Rare, army-ruler at the root, and regal.

Did you know? Harold joins the Old Norse herr, 'army', with valdr, 'ruler' — 'army ruler' — Harald is its Scandinavian form, borne by Viking kings (said 'HAH-rald').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Harald — Norse etymology

Variations

HaroldHaraldurHarry

Nicknames

Hari

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Harald…

Harold— the English form
Gunnar— a fellow Scandinavian boys' name
Howard— lands in the same popularity range
Hakan— a fellow Norse choice
Haakon— a fellow Norse choice

Explore names like Harald

By themescandinaviannorse
By meaningWarriorRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Harald mean?

Harald is the Scandinavian Harold — Old Norse 'army ruler; ruler of the host'.

How do you pronounce Harald?

It's said HAH-rald /ˈhɑ.rɑld/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Harald a boy or girl name?

Harald is a boy's name.

How popular is Harald?

Harald is a rare name in the U.S.

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