Harold

Harold · proper noun¹

1. Proto-Germanic · inherited from*Harjawaldaz
2. Old Norse · derived fromHaraldr
3. Old English · inherited fromHarold
4. Old English · inherited fromHereweald
5. English todayHarold

From a merger of Old English Hereweald and Old English Harold (itself from Old Norse Haraldr), both from Proto-Germanic *Harjawaldaz, from *harjaz (“army”) + *waldaz (“ruler, authority”). Related to Walter, which has the elements reversed. Cognate with Danish, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Swedish Harald, Faroese and Icelandic Haraldur.

Harold · proper noun²

First performed by The Committee, a San Francisco improv group, in 1967. The name is said to have been jokingly suggested by one of the audience.

HAROLD · noun³

Modelled on the name Harold.

Words from the same roots