Archibald
Archibald: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɑː(ɹ).t͡ʃɪ.bɔːld/ · /ˈɑː(ɹ).t͡ʃɪ.bəld/
Meaning and origin of Archibald
Root meaning: “pure, holy, genuine, precious”
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman Arcebald, Arcenbald or Ercenbald, from Old French Archaunbault, from Proto-West Germanic *Erknabalþ, from *erkn (“pure, holy, genuine, precious”) + *balþ (“strong, bold”). Doublet of Archambault. Compare Latin Archibaldus.
How popular is Archibald?
Since 1880, 3,985 boys in the U.S. have been named Archibald. Its highest rank for boys was #279 in 1890. In 2025, 184 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Archibald
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Archibald
Sister and brother names that share Archibald's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Archibald FAQ
What does the name Archibald mean?
Archibald traces back to a root meaning "pure, holy, genuine, precious". A male given name from the Germanic languages. From Anglo-Norman Arcebald, Arcenbald or Ercenbald, from Old French Archaunbault, from Proto-West Germanic *Erknabalþ, from *erkn (“pure, holy, genuine, precious”) + *balþ (“strong, bold”). Doublet of Archambault. Compare Latin Archibaldus.
What is the origin of the name Archibald?
Archibald is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Archibald?
Since 1880, 3,985 boys in the U.S. have been named Archibald. Its highest rank for boys was #279 in 1890. In 2025, 184 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Archibald a boy or girl name?
Archibald is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 3,985 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.