Harold: Meaning, Popularity, Origin of Baby Name Harold | Boys
Origin of the name Harold:
Derived from the obsolete Old English Hereweald, a compound name composed of the elements here (army) and weald (ruler, power, control). Alternatively, the Scandinavians introduced the cognate Harald, which is composed of the Germanic elements harja (army) and wald (rule). The name was borne by King Harald I (d. 1040), also known as Harald Harefoot, and Harald II (1022 - 66), who was killed in the Battle of Hastings. The name died out in the early Middle Ages but was reintroduced in the 19th century with other Old English names.
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US Popularity of Harold Over Time
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Harold, (our dog) is a very adventurous boy who is always doing daredevil stunts and worrying us silly! We named him after Harold Lloyd and no wonder!
This is a rather unattractive, very old fashioned name. The only Harolds I know are in their rocking years.
- Nicknames for Harold: | Edit
Harry, Hal
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- Famous real-life people named Harold: | Edit
Harold Bloom, literary critic
Harold Macmillan, British Prime Minister (1957-63)
Harold Pinter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright
Harold Wilson, British Prime Minister (1964-70, 1974-76)
Harold Lloyd, actor in 1920's- Harold in song, story & screen: | Edit
"Harold and Maude," classic 70s movie, dark comedy.
Harold Hill, lead character in "The Music Man".
Harold Waldorf (played by John Shea), recurring character (and father of lead Blair) on "Gossip Girl".
"Harold and the Purple Crayon", children's book by Crockett Johnson.
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Global Popularity of the Name Harold
- #737 in United States
