Herold

“army ruler”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1235US 2023

965Births / yr

→Stable

618All-time births

📅 Since 189400

What does Herold mean and where does it come from?

The name 'Herold' has its roots in both Old English and German origins. In Old English, 'Herewald' (the Old form) means 'army ruler' or 'leader of the army'. The name has been traditionally used in many cultures to denote a person of authority and bravery. It gained popularity from medieval times an

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1212 in 1912 — currently #1235 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Herold?

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

Herold Grace

How popular is Herold right now?

Holding steady — currently #1235 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1235 · Top 0.91%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1235	965	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1240	945	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1245	915	▲ up 6967 · +18200% births
1990	#8212	5	▼ down 2368 · -17% births
1985	#5844	6	▼ down 1537
1970	#4307	6	▼ down 172 · +20% births
1960	#4135	5	▼ down 552 · -17% births
1955	#3583	6	▼ down 490 · -14% births
1950	#3093	7	▼ down 796 · -30% births
1945	#2297	10	▲ up 147
1935	#2444	10	▼ down 320 · -29% births
1930	#2124	14	▲ up 8 · -7% births
1925	#2132	15	▲ up 40
1920	#2172	15	▼ down 682 · -32% births
1915	#1490	22	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Herold

Best Year2023Rank #1235

Peak Count965

Average Rank#2942

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202316 years

The story of Herold

Herold has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 618 total births recorded, Herold remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1521 in 1910 to #1235 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Herold in 1912:

John William James Robert Joseph

Herold by decade

Herold peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1910s	146
1920s ★	177
1930s	130
1940s	61
1950s	41
1960s	21
1970s	6
1980s	16
1990s	15

💎Herold has only 618 total recorded births since 1894 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Herold?

Common

HerHerieHeryErold

What names sound and feel like Herold?

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

Herald

English · Meaning 'messenger' or

Jerold

English · spear ruler

Harold

English · army ruler

Hearold

American · army ruler

Hereld

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Derold

American · English

Gerold

Germanic · Spear ruler

Herod

Hebrew · Heroic

Common questions about the name Herold

What does the name Herold mean?

Herold 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 Herold?

Herold is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Herold?

Herold 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.

Is Herold a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Herold?

Herold naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.