Harold vs Palmer

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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 →

Palmer

Girl #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pilgrim, palm-bearer"

Origin: Middle English

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#258
Total SSA Count
1,221
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Palmy, Palms

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Palmer →

Popularity Comparison

Harold Rank #991
Palmer Rank #258

Palmer is more popular, ranked #258 vs #991 for Harold.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Harold ___

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

Palmer ___

  • Palmer Grace
  • Palmer Anne
  • Palmer Rose
  • Palmer Claire
  • Palmer Jane
  • Palmer Elizabeth

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Harold

Dorothy Mildred Walter Bernard Margaret

If you choose Palmer

Greer Sloane Beckett Fletcher Wren

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 Harold or Palmer more popular?

Palmer is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Harold at #991 in the United States.

What do Harold and Palmer mean?

Harold means "army ruler, power of the army" (Old English origin). Palmer means "pilgrim, palm-bearer" (Middle English origin).

Are Harold and Palmer boy or girl names?

Harold is primarily a boy name. Palmer is primarily a girl name.

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