Roald is a name of Norwegian origin, meaning "famous wolf". It is derived from the Old Norse word "Hróðvaldr", which is composed of two elements: "hróðr" meaning "fame" and "valdr" meaning "rule". Therefore, Roald signifies someone who has achieved fame through his actions or rule.
The name Roald first appeared in Norwegian history with Roald I of Norway, also known as Roald the Wise, who was a king of Norway from 1093 to 1130. He was renowned for his wisdom and diplomatic skills, contributing significantly to the consolidation of the kingdom under one ruler.
Roald has also been used in other Scandinavian countries, including Denmark and Sweden, but it remains most commonly associated with Norway. In some cases, Roald is given as a female name, although it is more frequently encountered as a male name.
In popular culture, Roald has been immortalized by the famous British author Roald Dahl, known for his beloved children's books such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda". Although Dahl himself was not named after King Roald I, his parents might have chosen the name inspired by its Norwegian origins.
Statistics on the given name Roald show a varied pattern of popularity over time in the United States. Between 1912 and 2004, there were several fluctuations in the number of newborns named Roald each year.
The earliest record available shows that 10 boys were named Roald in 1912. The following year, this number decreased to just 5 births. However, it is important to note that birth rates can vary significantly from one year to another, and the statistics provided may not reflect every single birth of a child named Roald during these periods.
Throughout the 1920s, there was an increase in the popularity of the name Roald. The highest peak occurred in 1928 with 18 births, followed by a decrease to 14 births in 1929 and then to 9 births in 1930.
After this period, the name's popularity seemed to wane. There were fewer than 10 births per year from 1931 to 1947, with only one exception: in 1934, there were 7 births named Roald.
Between 1954 and 2004, the name Roald was given to at least 6 newborns each year. The highest number during this period occurred in 1960, with 8 births.
Overall, since 1912, there have been a total of 189 boys named Roald born in the United States. While these statistics provide insight into the name's popularity over time, it is essential to remember that they do not account for all instances where the name may have been used or misspelled. Additionally, these figures only represent births within the United States and may not include individuals who emigrated to other countries later in life.
In conclusion, the statistics on the name Roald illustrate its changing popularity over nearly a century in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns during this period.