All about the name

Herold

Male

« Herold is a rare German name derived from "haro" meaning "army" and "wulf" meaning "wolf". »

#6738 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Herold is a name of German origin that has been used throughout history. It is derived from the Old Germanic elements "haro" meaning "army" and "wulf" which means "wolf". The name Herold was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066, but it never became particularly common there. The name Herold has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Harold Godwinson, also known as King Harold II of England. He was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England and died in battle against William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name Herold has also been used in other languages and cultures. In Scandinavian countries, for example, it is sometimes spelled "Herulf" or "Herulv". In France, it may be found as "Hérouald". Despite its historical significance, the name Herold has never been particularly common. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, for instance, it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in any given year. Overall, while not widely used today, Herold is a name with a rich history and an interesting etymology that can be traced back to ancient Germanic roots. It may not be as familiar as some other names of German origin, but its unique sound and powerful meaning make it a memorable choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Herold since 1880

Total births
618
Total since 1880
Peak year
1923
26 births
in 1999
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years