Rinaldo, of Italian origin, is derived from the Germanic element 'rand' meaning 'shield' and 'wald' meaning 'rule'. It translates to 'powerful shield', suggesting strength and protection. This name was brought to Italy by the Lombards, a Germanic tribe who settled there in the 6th century AD. Notable figures bearing this name include Rinaldo d'Aquino, an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period, and Rinaldo Caracciola, a German racing driver active during the 1920s and 1930s.
The name Rinaldo experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak of 23 births in 1923 and a low of 5 births in several years including 1947, 1952, and 1978-1980. The total number of births given the name Rinaldo from 1912 to 2007 is 722.