Arnold
/ˈɑːr.nəld/noun
A masculine given name and surname of Germanic origin.
Did you know?Saint Arnold of Soissons, whose name was Arnold, became a patron saint of brewers—giving the name an unexpected connection to beer, blessing, and medieval ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*Arnawaldaz
“A personal name formed from elements meaning “eagle” and “power” or “rule”.”
8th–10th Century
Old High German
Arnwald
“A Germanic personal name meaning approximately “eagle-power” or “eagle-ruler”.”
11th Century
Old French
Arnaut / Arnaud
“The Norman and French forms of the Germanic name, used among the nobility and warrior class.”
11th Century
Middle English
Arnold
“A personal name introduced into England after the Norman Conquest.”
14th Century onward
English
Arnold
“Used both as a given name and as a hereditary surname.”
Modern English
English
Arnold
“A masculine given name and surname, still associated etymologically with eagle symbolism and authority.”