Reynold is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Old French name Reinauld, which in turn comes from the Germanic name Raginald. The name Raginald is composed of two elements: "ragin" meaning "advice" or "counsel," and "-wald" meaning "power" or "rule." Therefore, Reynold means "powerful counselor."
The name Reynold was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It became quite popular during the Middle Ages, with many variations of the name being used throughout different regions of Europe. Some of these variants include Reginald, Reynard, Renald, and Renaud.
One notable figure who bore this name was Reynold, Earl of Cornwall, who was a brother of King Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart) during the 12th century. He played an important role in English politics and even served as regent for his nephew, King Henry III.
While Reynold may not be as commonly used today as it once was, it remains a distinctive and historic name with a strong meaning behind it. Its uniqueness makes it a great choice for those looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child or themselves.
"Reynold saw its peak popularity between 1912 and 1917, with over 70 births each year. However, it has become quite rare since the late 1940s, with fewer than 30 births per year on average since then."