What Does the Name Harold Mean?
Harold is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning “army ruler.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Harold |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Germanic |
| Meaning | army ruler |
| Variants | Harald, Harry, Haraldr, Aroldo, Hal |
| Popularity | A US top-20 name in the early 1900s; it has since become uncommon for newborns. |
The meaning and origin of Harold
The name Harold means “army ruler” and has Germanic origins. From the Old English Hereweald (and related Old Norse Haraldr), combining 'here' (army) and 'weald' (ruler). Borne by King Harold II of England, it was revived in the 19th century and was very popular in the early 20th.
Variants and related names
Harold is related to several other names you may recognize: Harald, Harry, Haraldr, Aroldo, Hal. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Harold?
A US top-20 name in the early 1900s; it has since become uncommon for newborns.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harold mean?+
The name Harold means “army ruler” and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of the name Harold?+
Harold originates from Germanic.
Is Harold a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Harold has trended in the US over time.
Harold by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press