Thorwald is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements 'thór' meaning thunder and 'walthan' signifying power or might. This name was borne by several historical figures, including Thorwald the Red, a Norwegian nobleman who played a significant role in the Battle of Stamford Bridge against King Harold Godwinson in 1066. The name has also been used as a surname, with notable bearers including Thorwaldsen, an Icelandic-Danish sculptor famous for his work on the Christuskirche in Copenhagen and the tomb of AlexanderPushkin in St. Petersburg.
The name Thorwald is relatively rare, but its usage can be found predominantly in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark. It has also been encountered among German-speaking populations and occasionally in other parts of Europe. In English-speaking nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, Thorwald appears sparingly, perhaps due to its more traditional Germanic roots.
Despite its rarity, Thorwald carries a strong and authoritative tone, likely due to its association with the mighty god Thor in Norse mythology. This name may suit parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful moniker for their child.
"Thorwald was quite popular as a name for newborns during the early 20th century, with a total of 54 babies named Thorwald between 1893 and 1928."