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.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the bookDoes Harald sound...
Sibling Names for Harald...
Do you know any real life Haralds?
What are their siblings named?
Reader Contributions
Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Harald!
- Comments and insights on the name Harald: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Personal experiences with the name Harald: | Edit
- Share what you know!
- Nicknames for Harald: | Edit
Harry, Hal, Halle (pronounced HAH-leh)
- Meanings and history of the name Harald: | Edit
Pronounced: HAHR-ahl (Norway)
- Famous real-life people named Harald: | Edit
Harald V, the current King of Norway.
- Harald in song, story & screen: | Edit
- Share what you know!
NameVoyager US Popularity of Harald Over Time
NameMapper Current Popularity of Harald by State
Global Popularity of the Name Harald
- #131 in Norway
Baby Name Wizard Store
Celebrate with personalized baby name products! Custom birth announcements, invitations, bibs, onesies & more.
Start Shopping

