The English and German surname Arnold is of patronymic origin, being derived  from a very widely used personal name of Germanic origin, composed of the elements arn meaning “eagle” and  wald meaning “rule.” Rogerus filius Ernaldi is recorded in Domesday Book for London in 1086, this being the first known recording of the name, although not as a surname. Early examples of the surname recording include include William Arnold of the county of Suffolk in 1277, whilst in Germany Adler Arnoldt is recorded in Meskirch in 1282. One of the first settlers in Virginia was Thomas Arnold, aged 30 yrs., who embarked from London on the ship "Plaine Joan", in May 1635. 

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