Alard – Name Meaning
The name Alard is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German words “adal” meaning “noble” and “hard” meaning “brave”. It is a masculine given name that has been used in Europe since the Middle Ages.
History and Origin
The name Alard was first recorded in Germany during the 12th century. It was popularized by the medieval German poet Walther von der Vogelweide, who wrote a poem about a knight named Alard. The name was also used by several members of the Habsburg dynasty, including Emperor Maximilian I and his son Ferdinand I.
In France, the name Alard was introduced by the Normans during their conquest of England in 1066. It became popular among French nobility and was used as a given name for many generations. In England, it was adopted by the Normans and became popular among English royalty.
Popularity
Alard is not a particularly common name today, but it still enjoys some popularity in Europe. In France, it is ranked as the 545th most popular male name, while in Germany it is ranked as the 890th most popular male name.
In the United States, Alard is not currently listed in the top 1000 most popular male names. However, it does appear to be gaining some traction with parents looking for unique names for their children.
Famous People Named Alard
There are several famous people who have borne the name Alard throughout history. These include:
- Alard du Bois-Reymond (1818-1896): A German physicist who made important contributions to mathematics and physics.
- Alard von Roon (1799-1879): A Prussian statesman who served as Minister of War under Otto von Bismarck.
- Alard Schultens (1686-1750): A Dutch orientalist who studied Arabic literature and Islamic culture.
Conclusion
The name Alard has a long history in Europe and has been associated with nobility and bravery for centuries. Although it is not currently very popular in the United States, it may become more widely used as parents look for unique names for their children.
