Harold is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "hár" meaning "army" and "frid" meaning "peace". Therefore, Harold translates to "army peace".
The name Harold has been used in various forms across Europe for centuries. It was popularized by several historical figures, most notably Harold Godwinson, who was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England before the Norman conquest in 1066. His story is immortalized in the famous Battle of Hastings, where he was defeated by William the Conqueror.
In literature and culture, Harold also appears as a character in Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Additionally, it was the name of the protagonist in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye".
Today, Harold remains a classic yet timeless choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their child. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States since the early 20th century.
Overall, Harold is a strong and dignified name with a rich history behind it, making it an attractive option for those interested in names of English origin with a touch of regal elegance.
The name Harold has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a total of 2,648 babies named Harold between 1893 and 2004. The popularity of the name has varied over time, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early years recorded, from 1893 to 1929, the name Harold saw a steady increase in popularity. The lowest number of births was in 1893, with only 6 babies named Harold. However, by 1927, this number had grown significantly, with 99 births recorded that year. This trend continued until 1929, when the name reached its peak popularity during this period, with 98 births.
After 1929, the popularity of the name Harold began to decline. Between 1930 and 1949, the number of births fell significantly, reaching a low of 15 births in 1951. This downward trend continued until 1969, with varying degrees of popularity.
However, between 1970 and 2004, there was a resurgence in the usage of the name Harold. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1971, with 24 babies named Harold. This level of popularity was maintained for several years, before gradually declining again.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity over time, the name Harold has remained a staple in the United States. With over two thousand babies receiving the name between 1893 and 2004 alone, it is clear that Harold continues to be a widely recognized and cherished name among American parents.