ARNOLD
Arnold
Origin: The surname Arnold is of Old French and Old Germanic origin, derived from the personal name "Arnwald" or "Arnold," which in turn is derived from the elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning ruler or power. As a result, the surname Arnold can be interpreted to mean "ruler with the strength of an eagle."
History: The Arnold surname can be traced back to early medieval times in England and other parts of Europe. The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first recorded instance of the surname Arnold was in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, the name Arnold spread across the British Isles and beyond.
Notable People:
- Matthew Arnold (1822–1888): A prominent English poet and cultural critic of the Victorian era, known for his insightful poetry and social commentary.
- Benedict Arnold (1741–1801): An American military officer who became infamous for defecting to the British during the American Revolutionary War. His name has since become synonymous with betrayal.
- Eddy Arnold (1918–2008): An American country music singer who achieved widespread fame for his smooth vocals and crossover appeal.
Variants: Variants of the Arnold surname include Arnald, Arnolt, Arnould, and Arnaud. These variations have developed as the name spread and adapted to different languages and dialects.
The surname Arnold remains a common and esteemed surname in Britain and other English-speaking countries, with many individuals proudly bearing the heritage and history associated with the name.
There are approximately 32,382 people named Arnold in the UK. That makes it the 241st most common surname in Britain. Around 497 in a million people in Britain are named Arnold.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.