Surname Herald - Meaning and Origin

Herald: What does the surname Herald mean?

The last name Herald is a occupational name derived from the Old French word "herault," which originally meant "messenger." This name was given to someone who worked as a messenger, announcing the arrival of an important figure or event. The heralds of medieval times were very important people who would spread information by shouting, carrying flags, and using other means to visibly mark their presence.

The modern form of "herault" has resulted in various spellings including Herald, Harrald, and Herrall. The title was often conferred upon members of certain noble families, who subsequently adopted the name as their own. In particular, it is believed that the Herald family from France were descended from an individual named Heralt who was a French herald in the court of Louis VI.

Herald is also a French variation of the German word "herr," meaning "lord" or "master." This connection to the titles of the nobility has also led to Herald often being used as a surname in France and some other European countries. Today, the name Herald can be found in a number of countries within Europe and America.

In general, people who bear the name Herald are likely to be the descendants of somebody who fulfilled the important role of a messenger, whether professionally or via descent. Herald is also a reminder of an individual's roots in the noble classes and is likely to draw on the reverence for heralds in medieval and modern society.

Herald: Where does the name Herald come from?

The last name Herald is a relatively uncommon surname that is most commonly found in English speaking countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Caribbean Islands.

In the United Kingdom, Herald is particularly popular in the London area where it is the 976th most common name. In Scotland, it is slightly less common, yet still ranks as the 1280th most common surname.

In the United States, Herald is the 6941st most common last name. Popularity increases as you move east and south, with more families adopting the surname in states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

In Australia and New Zealand Herald is primarily found in the states of Victoria and South Australia.

In Canada, Herald is most common in the states and territories of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Overall, the Herald surname is an uncommon one, but it is still relatively widespread across English speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Herald

The surname Herald has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the same origin. According to one source, the surname Herald, which has its roots in the Latin word “heraldus,” can take on some of these spellings: Arrald, Arrold, Arroll, Harald, Heralds, Harrald, Harrol, Harroll, Harrold, Harralds, Herold, Heraldson, Herauld, Heralde, Herault, Herawlt, Herawlts, and Hearold. Other spellings of Herald include Harrell, Harrells, Herbridge, Herbridges, Herrold, Harrill, Harrillow, Harigl, Harrill, and Harrild.

As with many surnames, Herald and its variants might also be influenced by different countries as well as individual families. For example in England, variants may include Harrod, Harrell, Haryell, and Harryall. In Germany, Herald is likely spelled Hierold or Herold. Herald is also prevalent in the Netherlands, primarily as Van Harelde or Van Herold.

Finally, Herald is also seen as a shortened version of other similarly-derived surnames such as Heroldson and Heraldson. These longer names have been borne by individuals whose ancestors were historically either members of the same family or descendants of the same family.

Overall, Herald is a common surname that has evolved over time, taking on various regional and family-specific spellings. Searching local archives and family history websites can be helpful in tracing a particular family’s unique variation of Herald.

Famous people with the name Herald

• Mike Herald: Former professional Greek basketball player and coach in the Greek Basketball League.
• Kimberly S. Herald: An American poet, editor, and fiction writer.
• Kelly Herald: A professional golfer who competes on the LPGA’s Symetra Tour.
• James Herald: An American jazz trumpeter who plays in the bebop and hard bop genres.
• Mara Herald: A restaurant co-owner and director of the culinary department at The Vox nightclub in Seattle.
• Walt Herald: A former major league baseball player who was the starting outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels from 1973 to 1975.
• David Herald: A British singer-songwriter, composer, and Grammy Award-winning recording artist.
• Rachel Herald: A British television presenter best known for presenting the BBC Three series Don’t Tell the Bride.
• Bette Herald: An American actress who has appeared in over 50 films and television shows.
• Emma Herald: A British journalist and television news presenter, best known for her work for ITN and Sky News.

Other surnames

Heralson