Harold
Harold first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1924, when 14,149 boys were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Harold popular?
Vintage Harold is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1924.
| 2020s | 1,434 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 2,748 | |
| 2000s | 3,472 | |
| 1990s | 5,518 | |
| 1980s | 9,183 | |
| 1970s | 17,587 | |
| 1960s | 36,744 | |
| 1950s | 62,183 | |
| 1940s | 82,176 | |
| 1930s | 95,467 | |
| 1920s | 133,585 | |
| 1910s | 79,721 | |
| 1900s | 12,795 | |
| 1890s | 7,018 | |
| 1880s | 2,001 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Harold mean?
From Old English 'here' (army) and 'weald' (ruler, power), 'ruler of the army'; cognate with Old Norse Haraldr. Borne by Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
Names like Harold
old english names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Harold
Popular old english names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Harold
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harold mean?
Harold means Army ruler. From Old English 'here' (army) and 'weald' (ruler, power), 'ruler of the army'; cognate with Old Norse Haraldr. Borne by Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
What is the origin of the name Harold?
Harold is of old english origin.
How do you pronounce Harold?
Harold is pronounced “HAIR-uld.”
Is Harold a boy or a girl name?
Harold is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Harold a popular name right now?
Harold is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1924.
How popular is the name Harold?
In 2025, Harold ranked #993 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Harold most popular?
Harold was most popular in 1924, when about 14,149 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Harold?
Names similar to Harold include Wyatt.
What names go well with Harold?
old english names that pair well with Harold include Wyatt.