Harold is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "hár" meaning "army" or "strong" and "frid" meaning "peace". The name Harold was borne by several notable figures in history, including Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, who was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. He is perhaps most famous for his role in the Battle of Hastings in 1066 against William the Conqueror.
In Norse mythology, there was a legendary hero named Harald Hardrada who lived in the 11th century and was known for his courage and military prowess. It is possible that some versions of the name Harold may have been inspired by this figure.
The name Harold has been used in various forms throughout history and across different cultures. In German, the name is spelled "Heinrich" or "Henry", while in French it is "Henri". The name has also been popularized through literature and art, such as in the works of Mark Twain and the paintings of Henry Holiday.
Today, Harold remains a popular given name for boys in English-speaking countries. It has several variations, including Harry, Hal, Hari, and Hiro. Some famous individuals named Harold include American baseball player Harold "Hal" Chase, British author Harold Pinter, and Canadian-American actor Harold Ramis. Despite its age and historical significance, the name Harold continues to be chosen by parents for their children today due to its strong and noble associations.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Harrold was relatively popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with a total of 1,103 births recorded between 1898 and 1988. The name's popularity peaked in the 1910s and 1920s, with a particularly high number of births in 1923 (46) and 1915 (29). However, by the 1950s and onwards, the name's popularity had significantly decreased, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded between 1951 and 1988.
Despite its decline in popularity, it is interesting to note that the name Harrold continues to be given to babies born in the United States even today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were still 5 boys named Harrold born in the U.S. in 2019, indicating that this historic name may still hold some appeal for parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
Overall, these statistics provide a fascinating glimpse into the historical trends of baby naming in the United States over the course of nearly a century, demonstrating how tastes and preferences have changed over time.