Meaning & History
Arnau is the Catalan form of the Germanic name Arnold. It derives from the Frankish *Arnuwald, which shares the same roots—Old High German elements arn 'eagle' and walt 'power, authority'—giving the meaning 'eagle power'. The name was introduced to Catalonia during the Middle Ages, likely through the influence of the Franks.
Etymology and Linguistic Origins
The name's etymology traces back to the Continental Germanic compound Arnwald, composed of arn ('eagle') and wald ('ruler'). In Catalan, the final '-old' of Arnold shifted to '-au', a common phonetic evolution in Catalan from Latin and Germanic names. Variant spellings in Catalan include Arnald.
Cultural Significance
Arnau has been used as both a given name and a surname in Catalan-speaking areas. While the name Arnold was widespread across Europe due to saints and nobility, Arnau specifically became established in the Crown of Aragon and remained in use throughout the Medieval and Early Modern periods. It is still used in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands.
Historically, Arnau appears in medieval Catalan records, often associated with nobility or clerical figures.
Notable Bearers
- Arnau de Vilanova (c. 1238–1311), a medieval physician and theologian from the Crown of Aragon, known for his medical works and controversial spiritual writings.
- Arnau Mir (13th–14th century), a Catalan nobleman and troubadour.
- Arnau Cadell (12th century), a Catalan sculptor contemporary with the Romanesque period.
Modern Usage
In contemporary Spain, Arnau is still used as a masculine given name, though it is less common than varieties like Arnau itself, with regionally appropriate forms elsewhere (e.g., Arnold in Polish, Arnoud in Dutch, Arno in German). The surname Arnau is also found in Catalan-speaking regions, often reflecting patrilineal origin.
- Meaning: Eagle power
- Origin: Germanic, via Frankish *Arnuwald
- Type: Given name and surname
- Usage regions: Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Arnau