Holding steady.
Popularity of Thorvald since 1888
Babies named Thorvald per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thorvald's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 48 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Thorvald is a distinctly Nordic name rooted in Old Norse mythology. It combines Þórr, the name of the thunder god, with valdr, meaning 'ruler,' giving the meaning 'Thor's ruler.' The name has ancient Scandinavian origins, borne by figures like Thorvald Eiriksson, brother of Leif Erikson, in the Icelandic sagas. In the United States, its recorded use is minimal, with its peak year in 1888 and rank unavailable due to insufficient frequency. The trajectory is stable but scarce, and no top states are associated with it. This name is best suited for families with strong Scandinavian heritage or a love for Norse mythology, offering a powerful historical resonance without widespread modern use.
Derived from Old Norse Þórvaldr, composed of Þórr (Thor, the Norse god of thunder) and valdr (ruler or power). The name was common among medieval Scandinavians and appears in Icelandic sagas, such as the explorer Thorvald Eiriksson. It has fallen out of frequent use but persists in Iceland and among families honoring Nordic heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thor, Vald, Valdi
Variants: Thorvaldur, Torvald, Þórvaldur
Sibling names for Thorvald
Names that share Thorvald's style, for a brother or sister.
