Arnout

Arnout is a masculine given name of Dutch origin, a variant of Arnold or Arnoud. It is derived from a Germanic root, typically linked to the form Arnwald, and is interpreted as meaning something like “eagle ruler” or “eagle power.” In Dutch and Flemish naming traditions, Arnout has appeared in historical records dating back to medieval times and remains in occasional use today.

Variants and related forms include Arnoud (the more common Dutch form) and Arnold in English-speaking contexts. Related cognates appear in other languages, such as Arnaud in French and Arno in various European languages. The name shares the same Germanic roots as these forms and retains the general eagle-ruler meaning across its derivatives.

Geographic distribution and usage are concentrated in the Netherlands and the Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium, with occasional use in other Dutch-speaking communities. Arnout is generally considered a traditional or classic name; it is more commonly found among older generations and within families that maintain traditional naming patterns, though it continues to be encountered in contemporary contexts.