The nameRoald
Roald is a Norwegian boy's name, borne by the explorer Roald Amundsen. It was given in Norway mostly in the late 1940s.
- Boy's name
- Norwegian
Meaning
Roald comes from the Old Norse Hroaldr, formed from hrodr, "fame", and valdr, "ruler".
Origin
Norwegian.
History
The name peaked in Norway in the late 1940s. It remains very rare in France and in English-speaking countries.
Did you know?
- The Norwegian Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole, on 14 December 1911.
Famous people named Roald
- Roald Amundsen, Norwegian explorer
- Roald Dahl, British writer
Popularity of the name Roald
Roald in Norway
489thmost popular boys' name in Norway in 2025
1948peak year (121 births)
2,514babies named Roald in Norway since 1945
Roald was most popular in Norway in the 1950s, with 902 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Roald. Half of all babies named Roald in Norway were born before 1957, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name.
Roald in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Roald mean?
Roald comes from the Old Norse Hroaldr, formed from hrodr, "fame", and valdr, "ruler".
What is the origin of the name Roald?
Norwegian.
Is Roald a girl's or a boy's name?
Roald is a boy's name.
Who are famous people named Roald?
Roald Amundsen, Norwegian explorer; Roald Dahl, British writer.