Surname Harod - Meaning and Origin
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Harod: What does the surname Harod mean?
The surname Harod does not seem to have a specific commonly accepted interpretation, likely because it is so rare and its origins are uncertain. Some speculate that it could be a variant of the name Harold, which originates from the Old English name "Hereweald" meaning "leader of the army". Another possibility is that it could be a geographical surname, from Harrod, Ohio in the United States, or derived from Harrowden in Northamptonshire or Bedfordshire in England. Yet another theory suggests it may be a version of the name Herod, from the biblical King Herod. The definite interpretation would depend on the individual's personal family history and lineage. Before reaching a concrete conclusion, genealogy or historical records should be checked for more accurate information.
Order DNA origin analysisHarod: Where does the name Harod come from?
The surname Harod appears to be of English origin, emerging most likely from either the ancient Old English word "harad," meaning "hardy," "brave," or "strong," or from a place named Harwood in Durham in the North East of England. The first recorded spelling of the surname dates back to 1275 in Yorkshire, England, when one Adam de Harwod was registered in the "Hundred Rolls."
As surname distribution maps show, the Harod surname is relatively rare and is most common in England, especially in the northern counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria. It can also be found in other parts of the United Kingdom. Outside of the UK, it seems to be most common in the United States, particularly in the state of Illinois. However, in both the UK and the US, the total number of people with the Harod surname is still rather limited. Overall, the Harod surname has spread around the world, but it remains most common in its place of origin, England.
Variations of the surname Harod
The surname Harod might be a variant of several surnames deriving from different origins. It may be a variation of the surname Herod, which is of Biblical origin, or Harrod, which is English. Possible variations and alternate spellings include: Harrodd, Harred, Harrodde, Harrot, Herrod, Herrad, and Herod.
The Herod surname originated from Herodes, a name used by many rulers mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. Over time, the original spelling may have changed due to linguistic evolution or migration.
The Harrod surname was used in medieval England, possibly originating from the Old English term "here", meaning army, and "rad", meaning counsel or advice. Hence, it may have been a name given to military advisors. Variations of this surname might have arisen due to its pronunciation and the lack of standardized spelling in the Middle Ages.
Some surnames may have been anglicized or regional variants of Harod, such as Haro, Haroad, Herot, and Hared. These variations likely resulted from emigration, literacy levels, or regional dialects. It's also common for surnames to be shortened or altered slightly over generations to make them easier to pronounce or assimilate into a new culture.
Famous people with the name Harod
- Sidney Harod: an American actor.
- David Harod: an American investor, businessman and philanthropist.
- Michael Harod: a US Army major general.
- Frank Harod: a German-American World War II veteran.
- Julius Harod: a German-born American rabbi.
- Etan Harod: an Israeli cyptocurrency executive.
- George Harod: an American conservationist and environmentalist.
- Simon Harod: a bassoonist and composer.
- Bree Harod: an Australian actress.
- Sharon Harod: an American television producer.
- Peter Harod: a Swiss-born American orthopedic surgeon.
- Rebecca Harod: a British politician and entrepreneur.
- Christine Harod: a Swiss singer-songwriter.
- Jack Harod: an American journalist.
- Adam Harod: an English professional footballer.
- Karen Harod: a Canadian actress.
- Agnes Harod: a Danish actress and model.
- Tom Harod: an Australian professional cricketer.
- David Harod: an American screenwriter and filmmaker.
- Emily Harod: a British prize-winning author.