US Popularity Rank: 1921

Origin: Scandinavian

Meaning: Army ruler, leader of an army, heroic leader

Harold is a boy’s name that derives from Old English Hereweald, Germanic Hariwald, and Old Norse Haraldr. Harold means “army ruler,” “leader of an army,” and “heroic leader,” and this name and its variants were quite popular among Scandinavian settlers and in the royal courts of England, Norway, and Denmark. Centuries later, Harold is a well-known baby name thanks to countless historical figures and fictional characters in comic books and TV shows but surprisingly isn’t overused. If you’re searching for a title that will help baby stand out on the schoolyard, Harold is the perfect blend of timelessness and boyish charm.