Meaning and origin
The last name Arnold has an ancient and rich origin, tracing back to the pre-7th century Old French and Germanic personal name "Arnwald" or "Arnulf," meaning "eagle power" or "power of the eagle." Derived from the elements "arn," denoting an eagle, and "wald" or "ulf," referring to power or rule, the name Arnold gained popularity in medieval England and Europe as a patronymic surname, passed down from father to son. Over time, it spread across various regions and evolved in spelling and pronunciation, resulting in different variations like Arnaud, Arnell, and Arnaldo. This name etymology showcases the significance of eagles and power in the historical context, perhaps reflecting the noble and influential lineage associated with the surname Arnold.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#201
Arnold was the 201st most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 138,893 people, about 47 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Arnold
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Arnold is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.