Harold is a name of Old German origin, derived from the elements "hari" meaning "army" or "warrior", and "wald" meaning "rule". Therefore, Harold means "ruler of an army" or "commanding warrior".
The name Harold first appeared in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. Harold Godwinson, also known as King Harold II of England, was the last Anglo-Saxon king before the Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror. Despite being defeated at the Battle of Hastings, Harold's legacy has endured through his name.
Throughout history, Harold has been a popular name in several European countries, including Denmark and Sweden. It has also been used as a given name and surname throughout various periods. Some notable figures with the name Harold include Harold Lloyd, an American comedian and film actor known for his comedic silent films; Harold Pinter, an English playwright famous for his works such as "The Birthday Party" and "The Caretaker"; and Harold Wilson, a British Labour politician who served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1970.
In popular culture, Harold has been used in various films, literature, and television shows. Some examples include Harold and Maude (a 1971 American black comedy-drama film), Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (an American stoner comedy film released in 2004), and Harold and the Purple Crayon (an American children's book written by Crockett Johnson).
Overall, Harold is a name with a rich history and meaning that has been adopted by various cultures throughout time. Its origins date back to Old German times, but it has since become popular in many other countries as well. Despite its early association with warfare, the name Harold has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and interpretations, making it a versatile choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Harold has seen a significant shift in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Between 1880 and 1920, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Harold, with peaks reaching as high as 13,678 births in 1920. This trend continued into the 1940s, with 8,582 births recorded in 1942.
However, starting from the mid-1940s, there was a notable decline in the number of newborns named Harold. By 1950, the figure had dropped to 7,215 births, and this downward trend continued throughout the following decades. In 1960, only 4,679 babies were named Harold, and by 1970, that number had fallen to 2,725.
This decline in popularity persisted into the late 20th century and even into the early 21st century. By the year 2000, only 377 newborns were named Harold, and this figure has continued to decrease in recent years. In 2020, there were just 237 babies named Harold, and in 2021, that number dropped further to 235.
In total, over the past 142 years (from 1880 to 2022), there have been 551,152 births recorded for the name Harold in the United States. Despite its historical popularity, it appears that the name Harold has become increasingly rare in recent decades.