Arnold surname meaning

Arnold comes from the Germanic personal name Arnold, widely carried into medieval England and continental Europe. Its traditional elements are often read as arn, “eagle,” and wald or related forms, “rule” or “power.” The surname records a person through that forebear’s given name, rather than assigning an occupation or landscape. Arnald, Arnould, and Arnhold show regional spellings and related forms. The gloss “eagle power” is a useful guide to the old name’s structure, not a literal description of a family. Parent’s name and high confidence are appropriate.