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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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Herold Rose
Floral · soft ending
Herold Mae
Sweet · timeless
Herold Claire
French influence · crisp
Herold Jane
Literary · strong
Herold Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Herold right now?
Holding steady — currently #1235 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Herold?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herold also consider these
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.