Havard is a Norwegian masculine given name derived from Old Norse Hávardr, which was composed of the elements háv meaning "high" or "lofty," and ard meaning "guardian" or "protector." Therefore, Havard could be translated as "high guardian" or "lofty protector."
The name Havard is strongly associated with Norwegian history and culture. It is known to have been used by several notable figures throughout the ages, including Hávardr Ásmundarson, a chieftain who played a significant role in the early 10th-century conflicts between Norway's rulers and their rivals.
In modern times, Havard continues to be a popular choice among Norwegian parents for their newborn sons. According to statistics from Statistics Norway, it has consistently ranked among the top 200 most common male names in Norway since the late 20th century.
However, Havard is not limited to Norway; it can also be found among the male population of other Scandinavian countries and even beyond, thanks to its appealing meaning and historical significance. Despite its Norse origins, Havard has not gained widespread international recognition like some other Old Norse names such as Olaf or Thor, but it remains a proud and distinctive Scandinavian tradition.
"Havard experienced a consistent number of births over the years, with peaks in 1918 and 1919 (both at 9 births), and a noticeable dip to 5 births in 1934 and again in 1947. The total number of births from 1912 to 1952 is 149."