Archibald

“Genuine, bold, brave”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1291US 2023

148Births / yr

→Stable

3.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Archibald

AH·rchub·awld

/ˈɑ.rtʃəb.ˌɔld/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“Genuine, bold, brave”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Archibald mean and where does it come from?

'Archibald' comes from the Scottish Gaelic name 'dearcabhail', composed of the elements meaning 'genuine' and 'bold'. It was a popular name among Scottish nobility, dating back to the Middle Ages, and has maintained a steady presence in English-speaking countries. Notable figures include Archibald D

Cultural significance

Archibald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of genuine, bold, brave.

Peak popularity

Reached #281 in 1890 — currently #1291 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Archibald?

Archibald works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Archibald Grace

How popular is Archibald right now?

Holding steady — currently #1291 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1291 · Top 0.95%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1291	148	▼ down 4
2022	#1287	148	▲ up 367 · +48% births
2021	#1654	100	▲ up 12 · +6% births
2020	#1666	94	▲ up 812 · +88% births
2015	#2478	50	▲ up 1764 · +117% births
2010	#4242	23	▲ up 2863 · +130% births
2005	#7105	10	▼ down 1173 · +11% births
1995	#5932	9	▼ down 1757 · -31% births
1990	#4175	13	▲ up 1622 · +117% births
1985	#5797	6	▼ down 2822 · -60% births
1980	#2975	15	▲ up 455 · +50% births
1975	#3430	10	▲ up 102 · +25% births
1970	#3532	8	▼ down 1357 · -43% births
1965	#2175	14	▲ up 709 · +56% births
1960	#2884	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Archibald

Best Year1905Rank #620

Peak Count148

Average Rank#2409

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

The story of Archibald

Archibald has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,225 total births recorded, Archibald remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #327 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1291 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Archibald in 1890:

John William James George Charles

Archibald by decade

Archibald peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	260
1890s	238
1900s	163
1910s	486
1920s ★	526
1930s	216
1940s	195
1950s	180
1960s	106
1970s	82
1980s	84
1990s	86
2000s	78
2010s	431
2020s	94

💎With 3,225 total births, Archibald is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Archibald?

ENGLISH

Archie

SCOTTISH

Archie

What names sound and feel like Archibald?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Archibald also consider these

Archiebald

Scottish · genuine and bold

Archibold

English · A meaningful name

Archilla

Arabic · A Arabic name

Scotland · ruler's advisor

Danald

Scotland · Derived from 'Donald',

Ddnald

Scotland · Scottish Gaelic

How is Archibald written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Archibald

What does the name Archibald mean?

Archibald means "Genuine, bold, brave" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Archibald?

Archibald is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Archibald have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Archibald?

Archibald originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Archibald?

Archibald is a three-syllable name pronounced AA1 R CH AH0 B AO2 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Archibald?

Archibald pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.