NomOrigine Background

Last Name Arhold

What is the origin of the last name Arhold?

The surname Arhold is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Arnold, which is composed of the elements "arn", meaning eagle, and "wald", meaning power or ruler.

origin of the last name Arhold

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arhold

The meaning and origin of the last name Arhold

The surname Arhold is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German name "Arnwald," which is a combination of the elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning rule. Therefore, the surname Arhold can be interpreted to mean "ruler of the eagles" or "eagle ruler." It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor named Arnwald. The name likely originated as a nickname or as an occupational name for someone associated with eagles or who displayed qualities associated with this majestic bird, such as strength, keen eyesight, or leadership. Over time, the surname Arhold has been passed down through generations, with variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on regional dialects and language changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arhold

The last name Arhold has a limited geographical distribution, primarily found in Germany. Particularly concentrated in the northern regions of the country, such as in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, the surname is relatively uncommon compared to more popular German last names. Outside of Germany, there are very few instances of individuals with the last name Arhold, with sporadic occurrences in neighboring countries like Austria and Switzerland. This suggests that the name is most likely of German origin and has not spread widely beyond its initial geographic area. Overall, the distribution of the last name Arhold indicates a strong association with Germany, specifically in the northern regions of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arhold

The variations and spellings of the last name Arhold include: Ahrend, Arhend, Arnhold, Arnholt, Arnauld, Arnolt, and Arnault. These variations may differ depending on the region or country in which the name is found. The different spellings may have originated from translations or transliterations of the name. In some cases, the variations may have resulted from changes in pronunciation over time. Overall, the last name Arhold can be spelled and written in several ways, but its meaning and origin usually remain the same.

Famous people with the last name Arhold

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name Arnold include Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian-American actor and former Governor of California known for his roles in iconic films such as "Terminator", "Predator", and "Total Recall"; Benedict Arnold, an American military officer who famously defected to the British during the American Revolutionary War; Matthew Arnold, a British poet and cultural critic known for his works such as "Dover Beach" and "Culture and Anarchy"; and Tom Arnold, an American actor and comedian known for his roles in TV shows like "Roseanne" and films such as "True Lies". These individuals have achieved notable success in their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Arhold

The surname Arhold is of German origin, derived from the personal name Arnold. It is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Arnold." The name Arnold itself is derived from the Germanic elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "wald," meaning rule. The Arhold surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany, particularly in regions such as Bavaria and Saxony. Over time, individuals with the surname Arhold may have migrated to other countries, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation. Genealogical research on the Arhold surname may involve examining various records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as census and immigration records to trace the family lineage and understand its historical origins and migrations.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below: