Harold

Origin

Old English origin, from the elements 'here' meaning 'army' and 'weald' meaning 'power' or 'ruler'. The name Harold appears in ancient texts, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, and was borne by several notable medieval kings of England. In Aboriginal contexts, names with similar phonetics are rare and generally not of Indigenous origin. The name Harold was brought to Australia through British colonisation and has been used widely during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Army ruler' or 'leader of an army'; in Australian English, it connotes a traditional, classic male name often associated with leadership and authority.

Pronunciation

/ˈhær.əld/ (Australian English, with stress on the first syllable) — 'HAR-ald'. The 'r' is pronounced clearly, and the 'a' as in 'cat'.                    

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 06 July (Feast of Saint Harold) – Not officially observed in Australia but celebrated in some Christian traditions.
• 15 August – International Day of Remembrance, occasionally associated with historical figures named Harold.
• Māori and Aboriginal cultural events do not traditionally include Name Days.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with harold:

• James and William
• Elizabeth and Anne
• Oliver and Amelia
• Max and Ruby (informal pairs in modern usage)

Fun Facts

• Harold was a popular name for Australian boys in the early 20th century but has declined in usage.
• The name appears in Australian literature, notably in classic novels and historical texts.
• Famous Australian harbour towns such as 'Harold Harbour' (fictional), occasionally derive nicknames from the name.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name harold:

• Traditional
• Authoritative
• Resilient
• Conservative

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and dignified, with symmetrical letter shapes. The name’s structure conveys balance and stability, appealing in formal and casual contexts alike.

Geographical Distribution

More common in southern Australia, especially around Victoria and New South Wales, reflecting British settlement patterns and naming preferences during the colonial period.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3 in Numerology, associated with creativity and communication. The number 11, if considering the birth date, signifies intuition and insight.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological significance; however, if analyzing by birth date, the name’s association can reflect characteristics of the zodiac sign of the individual.

Historical Context

The name Harold is associated with numerous medieval kings of England, notably Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king who famously lost the Battle of Hastings in 1066. In Australian history, figures such as Harold Holt, the 17th Prime Minister, have cemented the name's recognition in the modern era.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name Harold adapts well in many languages, with similar forms in German (Harald), Scandinavian (Harald), and other European languages. In scripts, it remains fairly consistent.

Famous People Named harold

• Harold Holt (Prime Minister of Australia)
• Harold Ramis (Actor and director)
• Harold Snelling (Australian cricketer)

Popularity in Australia