Harold

“army ruler”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#921US 2023

250Births / yr

→Stable

553kAll-time births

📅 Since 189300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Harold

HER·uld

/ˈhɛr.əld/ · stress on HER · 2 syllables

“army ruler”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Harold mean and where does it come from?

Although traditionally a male name, the name Harold has been used for females in contemporary naming practices, particularly as a middle name or in combined name formats. Of Old English origin, Harold derives from 'here' (army) and 'weald' (to rule). The name was historically popular among English r

Cultural significance

Harold has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of army ruler.

Peak popularity

Reached #709 in 1929 — currently #921 in the US.

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How else can you spell Harold?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Harold?

Harold works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Harold Grace

How popular is Harold right now?

Holding steady — currently #921 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#921 · Top 0.68%

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#921	250	▲ up 4
2022	#925	250	▲ up 31 · +6% births
2021	#956	235	▲ up 4732 · +1858% births
1985	#5688	12	▼ down 139
1980	#5549	12	▼ down 1911 · -33% births
1975	#3638	18	▼ down 424 · -10% births
1970	#3214	20	▼ down 1008 · -31% births
1965	#2206	29	▲ up 43 · +7% births
1960	#2249	27	▼ down 225 · -4% births
1955	#2024	28	▲ up 40 · +27% births
1950	#2064	22	▼ down 314 · -4% births
1945	#1750	23	▼ down 504 · -34% births
1940	#1246	35	▼ down 170 · -17% births
1935	#1076	42	▼ down 213 · -39% births
1930	#863	69	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Harold

Best Year1925Rank #797

Peak Count250

Average Rank#1973

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202321 years

The story of Harold

Harold has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. Over 553K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1139 in 1895 to #921 in 2023. Harold is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Harold in 1929:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Harold by decade

Harold peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	2,001
1890s	7,052
1900s	12,850
1910s	80,088
1920s ★	134,405
1930s	95,882
1940s	82,433
1950s	62,380
1960s	36,935
1970s	17,750
1980s	9,276
1990s	5,525
2000s	3,476
2010s	2,741
2020s	236

What are good nicknames for Harold?

ENGLISH

HalHarry

FINNISH

Harri

WELSH

Harri

ENGLISH

HarrisHarrison

What names sound and feel like Harold?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Harold also consider these

Harol

English · Old English

Harlod

English · Old English

American · A strong with

Carold

American · English

Darrold

English · a combination of

Jarold

American · A beloved name

How is Harold written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Harold

What does the name Harold mean?

Harold means "army ruler" — a name rooted in English 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 Harold?

Harold is currently ranked #921 as a baby 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 Harold?

Harold originates from English tradition. English 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 Harold?

Harold is a two-syllable name pronounced HH EH1 R AH0 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Harold a common or rare name?

Harold is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.