Arnould

Arnould is a surname of French origin, derived from the medieval given name Arnoul or Arnold, which itself comes from the Germanic elements arn meaning eagle and wald meaning power or ruler. The form Arnould reflects a traditional French spelling typical of surnames that developed from given names in the medieval and early modern periods. Variant spellings appearing in historical records include Arnoul and Arnould, among others.

Today, Arnould is found primarily in France and other Francophone regions, with occurrences in Belgium and among diaspora communities. As a patronymic surname, it is carried by many individuals across generations, spanning a range of occupations. There is no single family lineage that defines the name in the present day, and the distribution reflects broader patterns of migration and naming practices in French-speaking areas.

In a broader context, Arnould is related to the given name Arnold and to similar forms such as Arnoul or Arnoud found in different European languages. The surname has appeared in various historical records, including literature, administration, and regional genealogies, without being associated with a single famous figure. As with many traditional French surnames, its continued use highlights the enduring connection between medieval given names and contemporary family identities.