Haralds has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its germanic roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews.
*harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald
Haralds is predominantly used in latvian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.