Arnaud is a French given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old Germanic personal name Arnulf, which is composed of two elements: arn meaning "eagle" and wulf meaning "wolf". Therefore, Arnaud means "powerful as an eagle and brave like a wolf".
The name has been popular in France for centuries, with several notable historical figures bearing it. For instance, Arnaud de Vibraye was a French knight who participated in the Fourth Crusade in the 13th century. Another famous Arnaud is Saint Arnaud (died 1651), a French missionary and martyr who worked among the Huron people in Canada.
In France, Arnaud is typically used as a boy's name, but it can also be used for girls. It has been consistently popular throughout the years, although its usage has varied slightly over time. Today, it remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive French name for their child.
Overall, the name Arnaud carries a strong and noble connotation due to its Germanic origins and historical significance. It is a great option for parents looking for a classic French name with a powerful meaning.
The name Arnaud has seen a consistent level of popularity over the past three decades in the United States. According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, there were 5 babies named Arnaud each year between 1981 and 2001.
This consistency is notable as it shows that the name has maintained its appeal among parents during this time period. While some names may rise or fall drastically in popularity from one decade to another, Arnaud has remained steady with an average of 5 births per year for each of these three decades.
It's also worth noting that over this span of twenty years, there were a total of 15 babies named Arnaud born in the United States. This figure represents a small but stable presence of this unique name among newborns during those years.