Spelling Variants
Harald vs Harold: Which Spelling?
Harald and Harold are variants of the same Old Norse name, differing by language.
Global Rank #109
Harald
Origin: Norwegian
Harald derives from the Old Norse elements "herr" (army) and "valdr" (ruler), meaning "army ruler" or "warrior leader." The name is primarily used in Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, particularly in…
Global Rank #645
Harold
Origin: English
The name 'Harold' means "army ruler" or "leader of an army," derived from the Old English elements *here* (army) and *weald* (power/ruler).
Which is more popular? Based on real registry rankings, Harald currently ranks higher globally. Popularity can vary a lot by country — check each name's own page for a full regional breakdown.