Billy vs Harold

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Billy

Boy #1,051 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old German via Norman French

Cultural Roots

English American Australian Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,051
Total SSA Count
210
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Bill, Bills

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Harold

Boy #991 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"army ruler, power of the army"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Scandinavian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#991
Total SSA Count
227
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Harry, Hal

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Harold →

Popularity Comparison

Billy Rank #1,051
Harold Rank #991

Harold is more popular, ranked #991 vs #1051 for Billy.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Billy ___

  • Billy Ray
  • Billy Joe
  • Billy Dean
  • Billy James
  • Billy Lee
  • Billy Gene

Harold ___

  • Harold James
  • Harold Edward
  • Harold Thomas
  • Harold Francis
  • Harold David
  • Harold William

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Billy

Bobby Tommy Jimmy Johnny Betty

If you choose Harold

Dorothy Mildred Walter Bernard Margaret

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Billy or Harold more popular?

Harold is more popular, ranked #991 compared to Billy at #1051 in the United States.

What do Billy and Harold mean?

Billy means "resolute protector" (Old German via Norman French origin). Harold means "army ruler, power of the army" (Old English origin).

Are Billy and Harold boy or girl names?

Billy is primarily a boy name. Harold is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Billy ← Full profile: Harold Browse all baby names