Thorvald

Thorvald, often rendered as Þorvaldr in Old Norse, is a masculine given name of Norse origin. It is a compound name, derived from the elements Þórr (Thor), the name of the Norse god of thunder, and valdr, meaning "ruler" or "powerful." Thus, the name Thorvald can be interpreted as "Thor's ruler" or "powerful through Thor."

The name Thorvald was common in Scandinavia during the Viking Age and appears in numerous Icelandic sagas and historical records. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, reflecting the widespread veneration of the god Thor.

Notable historical figures bearing the name include:

• Thorvald Asvaldsson: The father of Erik the Red, who is credited with discovering and colonizing Greenland. Thorvald Asvaldsson was exiled from Norway for manslaughter, leading his family to Iceland and eventually to Greenland.

• Thorvald Eiriksson: One of the sons of Erik the Red. He participated in voyages to North America (Vinland) and is believed to have been killed there during a skirmish with Indigenous peoples.

The name Thorvald continues to be used, albeit less frequently, in Scandinavian countries today. It is sometimes Anglicized as Torvald. The name carries with it connotations of strength, leadership, and a connection to Norse mythology.