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[Opinions] Thorwald
I've bee looking to find exactly where this name, which happens to be my name, is from. It's Germanic/Nordic for sure.
Thor is selfexplanatory, and wald possibly comes from valdr.I find both parts explained, but why not this form? Is it so uncommon?
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Try the name Facts Board. Those more versed in etymology hang out there. I'm not an expert, but I think "-wald/wold" is Anglo-Saxon for "forest," from the German "wald" (pronounced "vald.")
P.S. I just looked it up in my baby name book, "From Aaron to Zoe." It lists Thorvald, with a "v," as a Scandinavian name meaning, "Thunder ruler." But that's pretty much the meaning of "Thor" on its own, so I don't know how valuable that is. Baby name books aren't the best source. I mention it only because you might have a better luck if you also try searches for Thorvald, with a "v."

This message was edited 7/13/2006, 4:34 PM

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I know about Torvald/Thorvald meaning "Thor's ruler", whatever that might actually signify.
I also have people translate "wald" with forest, which I personally think is funny, albeit kinda childish 8-)
I've had one person tell me it's actually simply the Olde English spelling of the Norse Þórvaldr, which I prefer.Wald is being related to Walt(h)er, where it would mean "to rule" again... I guess vald & wald are simply different spellings of the same thing.
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