What does Harald mean and where does it come from?
Harald is a name of Old Norse origin that has deep historical roots in Viking culture. It was borne by several kings of Denmark and Norway, including Harald Hardrada, a significant figure in Norse history. The name has variations in spelling, such as Harold, and remains popular in Scandinavian count
Cultural significance
Harald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scandinavia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old norse.
Peak popularity
Reached #1582 in 1925 — currently #5953 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scandinavia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Harald?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Harald?
Harald works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Harald Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Harald John
One syllable · timeless choice
Harald Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Harald Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Harald Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Harald Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Harald right now?
Rising fast — up 640 spots — currently #5953 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5953 | 15 | ▲ up 640 · +15% births |
| 2024 | #6593 | 13 | ▲ up 2612 · +63% births |
| 2023 | #9205 | 8 | ▼ down 660 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #8545 | 9 | ▼ down 2122 · +80% births |
| 1980 | #6423 | 5 | ▼ down 3623 · -58% births |
| 1970 | #2800 | 12 | ▼ down 120 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #2680 | 10 | ▼ down 728 · -44% births |
| 1960 | #1952 | 18 | ▲ up 918 · +100% births |
| 1955 | #2870 | 9 | ▼ down 657 · -18% births |
| 1945 | #2213 | 11 | ▼ down 52 · -8% births |
| 1940 | #2161 | 12 | ▲ up 718 · +50% births |
| 1935 | #2879 | 8 | ▼ down 1134 · -58% births |
| 1930 | #1745 | 19 | ▼ down 163 · -21% births |
| 1925 | #1582 | 24 | ▲ up 733 · +71% births |
| 1920 | #2315 | 14 | — |
The story of Harald
Harald entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 759 total births recorded, Harald remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2584 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9205 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Harald in 1925:
Harald by decade
Harald peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 80 | |
| 1920s ★ | 166 | |
| 1930s | 122 | |
| 1940s | 92 | |
| 1950s | 104 | |
| 1960s | 132 | |
| 1970s | 17 | |
| 1980s | 16 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 25 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎Harald has only 759 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Harald?
What names sound and feel like Harald?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Harald also consider these
How is Harald written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Harald
What does the name Harald mean?
Harald means "Old Norse" — a name rooted in Scandinavia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Harald?
Harald is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Harald?
Harald originates from Scandinavia tradition. Scandinavia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Harald?
Harald is a two-syllable name pronounced HAH-ruld. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Harald a common or rare name?
Harald is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.