The name Reynold originates from the Germanic name Raginald, which is composed of the elements 'regin' meaning 'advice, counsel, decision' and 'walt' meaning 'power, authority'. It was brought to Britain by the Normans, who used forms like Reinald or Reinold, reinforcing rare Old English and Norse cognates. The name was common during the Middle Ages but became rare after the 15th century.