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

Popularity of Archibald by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Archibald is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 146 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Archibald.

The history of the first name Archibald

The name Archibald originated from the Germanic language and is composed of the elements "aru" meaning "eagle" and "bald" meaning "bold" or "brave." It first appeared in the 8th century and was initially spelled as "Arebald" or "Arcembaldus."

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity across Europe, particularly in Scotland and England. It was often associated with nobility and strength, reflecting the courageous nature of an eagle.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Archibald can be found in the "Annals of Ulster," an ancient Irish chronicle from the 15th century, which mentions an individual named "Arcibaldus" in the year 1014.

The name Archibald also has connections to religious figures. St. Archibald, a Scottish bishop who lived in the 7th century, was known for his piety and devotion to the Church.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Archibald:

1. Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas (c. 1372-1424), a Scottish nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England.

2. Archibald Bower (1686-1766), a Scottish historian and writer, known for his work "The History of the Popes."

3. Archibald Constable (1774-1827), a Scottish publisher and bookseller who contributed to the literary culture of Edinburgh in the early 19th century.

4. Archibald Lampman (1861-1899), a Canadian poet and educator, considered one of the finest poets of the late 19th century in Canada.

5. Archibald Vivian Hill (1886-1977), an English physiologist and Nobel Prize laureate, recognized for his groundbreaking research on muscle contraction and heat production.

While the name Archibald has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, it remains a well-recognized name with a rich historical significance, reflecting bravery, nobility, and a connection to Scottish and English heritage.

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 Archibald was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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