Harild: a male name of Germanic origin meaning "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader".It derives from the Germanic word "*harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald".
Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Harild, drawn to its Germanic heritage and beautiful significance: "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Harild
Quick facts about Harild
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
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.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
*harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald
How to Pronounce Harild
Harild is pronounced /ˈhɑː.rɪld/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Har-ild
Say it like: "HAR-ILD"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across norwegian, swedish, and danish speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
norwegianswedishdanish
Name Relationships
Harild is a variant form of Harald, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Harild means "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.". The name comes from *harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Harild for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "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." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Harild's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Harild?
Harild is a germanic name. The name traces back to *harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald. From its germanic roots, Harild spread to become common in norwegian, swedish, danish. The germanic meaning "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." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Harild developed as a form of Harald, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Harild a boy or girl name?
Harild is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In germanic tradition, Harild has historically been given to boys. The meaning "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." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Harild?
Harild is pronounced "/ˈhɑː.rɪld/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Harild is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, swedish, danish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Harild can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Harild?
Harild is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Harild offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Harild's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "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." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Harild holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Harild?
Harild is a form of Harald. Over time, Harald developed into several variations, with Harild emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In germanic tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "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.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Harild might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In norwegian and swedish, Harild may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Harild commonly used?
Harild is common in norwegian and swedish and danish naming traditions. Though germanic in origin, Harild found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Harild, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "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." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Harild into their naming traditions. A child named Harild will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Harild is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.