Harold
Meaning of Harold
The name Harold is a strong and timeless choice for a baby boy, with deep historical roots and regal associations. Originating from the Old English name "Hereweald," which means "army ruler" or "leader of an army," Harold embodies leadership and strength. Pronounced as HAIR-uhld (/hərˈɔld/), this classic name has been borne by kings, most notably Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England before the Norman Conquest. Despite its ancient origins, Harold has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, peaking in usage during the early to mid-20th century. Though less common today, it remains a distinguished choice that offers several charming variations such as Harry and Harrison. The enduring appeal of Harold lies in its rich history and noble connotations, making it a meaningful option for parents seeking a name with both heritage and gravitas.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as HAIR-uhld (/hərˈɔld/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Harold
| Harold Pinter was a renowned British playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor, known for his influential modern British dramas and adaptations for the screen. |
| Harold Adams Innis was a Canadian professor known for his work on media, communication theory, and the staples thesis, which has had a lasting impact on Canadian economic history. |
| Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. was a prominent American actor, comedian, and stunt performer known for his roles in silent comedy films. |
| Harold Clayton Urey was an American physical chemist known for his Nobel Prize-winning discovery of deuterium and his contributions to the development of the atom bomb and theories on the origin of organic life. |
| Sir Harold George Nicolson was a versatile British figure known for his roles as a politician, diplomat, historian, and writer, and he was married to the renowned writer Vita Sackville-West. |
| Sir Harold Matthew Evans was a prominent British-American journalist and writer known for his influential editorship at The Sunday Times and his advocacy for thalidomide victims. |
| Hal Prince, also known as Harold Smith Prince, was a renowned American theatre director and producer celebrated for his contributions to musical theatre. |
| Harold Edgar Clurman was an influential American theatre director, drama critic, and co-founder of New York City's Group Theatre, who directed over 40 plays and was a Tony Award nominee in the 1950s. |
| Harold Maurice Abrahams was an English track and field athlete who won the Olympic gold medal in the 100 metres sprint in 1924, and his story was portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire. |
| Harold Robbins was a prolific American author known for writing over 25 best-selling novels, selling over 750 million copies in 32 languages. |
| Harold Raynsford Stark was a prominent United States Navy officer who served as the 8th Chief of Naval Operations during World War II. |
| Harold Ramírez - Harold Andrés Ramírez Lemus is a Colombian professional baseball player who has played for the Miami Marlins, Cleveland Indians, and currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). |
| Harold Elstner Talbott, Jr. served as the third United States Secretary of the Air Force. |
| Harold Fraser-Simson was an English composer known for his light music and famous for his work on the World War I hit musical The Maid of the Mountains, as well as for setting numerous children's poems to music, particularly those of A. A. Milne. |
| Harold Russell - Harold John Avery Russell, an American World War II veteran and actor, made history as the first non-professional actor to win an Academy Award for acting and the first Oscar recipient to sell his award. |
