Harold

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Army Ruler; Leader

Background: The name Harold originates from the Old English name 'Hereweald,' comprised of the elements 'here' meaning 'army' and 'weald' meaning 'ruler' or 'leader.' This Germanic-derived name signifies a person who leads an army.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#60
Total births
554,046
Most popular decade
1920s (403,176 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-158 ranks)
Years in Top 100
83
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

99.5% male 0.5% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
113
First year rank
#116
Peak year
1924
Peak year births
14,149
Peak rank
#13
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
227
Recent rank
#987

Female

First year
1893
First year births
6
First year rank
#1,277
Peak year
1927
Peak year births
99
Peak rank
#723
Most recent year
2004
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#14,177

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links