Find out how popular the first name Archer has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Archer by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Archer is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Archer being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,819 male babies and 29 female babies born with the name Archer.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 29 baby girls were named Archer in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Archer

The name Archer has its roots in the Old English "arche" or "archere", derived from the French "archier" which means "bowman" or "archer". This name originated in medieval times and was initially given to those who practiced the skilled occupation of archery, often employed in warfare or hunting.

During the Middle Ages, archery was highly valued as a military skill, and archers played a crucial role in many battles across Europe. The name Archer became associated with strength, precision, and skill in combat, reflecting the admiration for those who excelled in this profession.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Archer can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This document mentions several individuals with the surname Archer, indicating the name's presence in England during the Norman period.

In literature, the name Archer appears in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" from the late 14th century, where a character named Robin the Archer is mentioned. This reference further solidifies the name's connection to the medieval tradition of archery.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Archer. One of the earliest was John Archer, an English explorer born around 1598, who is known for his voyages to Virginia and his interactions with Native American tribes.

Another prominent figure was James Archer, an Irish revolutionary and politician born in 1818, who played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1848 and the Young Irelander movement.

In the field of literature, Howard Archer, an American author born in 1920, is recognized for his contributions to the genre of science fiction and fantasy writing.

The name Archer also gained fame through the exploits of Benjamin Archer, a British naval officer born in 1787, who played a crucial role in the Battle of Trafalgar and later served as a Member of Parliament.

Lastly, one cannot overlook the legendary archer and folk hero Robin Hood, whose tales have been passed down through generations and have become an integral part of English folklore.

While the name Archer may have originated from a specific occupation, it has transcended its original meaning and become a symbol of skill, courage, and precision, reflecting the admiration and respect accorded to those who mastered the art of archery throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Archer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Archer, please contact us.

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