Boy
Old Norse
2 syllables
Harold
HAIR-uld
/ˈhær.əld/
"Army ruler" — a Viking king's name carried through centuries of English royal history
Harold derives from the Old Norse Haraldr, composed of herr (army) and valdr (ruler), meaning army ruler or leader of armies. It was a royal name in Viking Scandinavia, borne by Harald Bluetooth and Harald Fairhair, and became prominent in England through Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king who died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name is currently seeing quiet revival as a vintage classic.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesHar · old
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse
Root WordHaraldr
MeaningArmy ruler, leader of armies
PopularityFamiliar
Peak Year1920
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayNovember 1
Nicknames
HarryHalHary
About the Name Harold
Harold means army ruler or leader of armies, from Old Norse Haraldr composed of herr (army) and valdr (ruler).
Harold originates from Old Norse, widely used by Viking kings and brought to England by Norse and Danish settlers.
Harold was a top name in early 20th-century America and is now familiar but declining, experiencing quiet revival as a vintage classic.
Harold James, Harold Robert, and Harold Thomas are dignified combinations that suit this stately two-syllable name.
Harolds are associated with steadiness, loyalty, and leadership — a name carrying the weight of Norse and Anglo-Saxon kingship.
Harold is spelled H-A-R-O-L-D. Harry is its most common nickname, which has become a popular standalone name.
Personality of Harold
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Harold
Creativity
62%
Elegance
66%
Independence
74%
Intelligence
76%
Strength
82%
Warmth
74%
Famous People Named Harold
H
Harold Godwinson
Last Anglo-Saxon King of England, killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066
H
Harold Wilson
British Prime Minister who served in two stints in the 1960s and 70s
H
Harold Lloyd
Silent film comedian and one of Hollywood's great early stars
Middle Names for Harold
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Harold
Harold James
Harold Robert
Harold William
Harold Thomas
Harold Edward
Harold Frederick
Harold Lee
Harold George
Harold Lawrence
Harold Dean
Names Similar to Harold
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Harold
850
Haraldr Fairhair unifies Norway under one king; the name becomes synonymous with Norse royalty
1066
Harold Godwinson killed at Hastings; the Anglo-Saxon era ends
1920
Harold peaks as a top 5 name in the United States
2020
Harold sees quiet revival as a warm, retro vintage name
Numerology & Symbolism of Harold
4
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
7
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Scorpio
8
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Burgundy
💎
Lucky Stone
Garnet
🌸
Lucky Flower
Red Chrysanthemum
Harold Around the World
How Harold is written in different languages and scripts
هارولد
Arabic
ハロルド
Japanese
Гарольд
Russian
해럴드
Korean
哈罗德
Chinese
Χάρολντ
Greek
हैरोल्ड
Hindi
הארולד
Hebrew
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