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Archer

Boy name · 180 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Archer: 180 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 22 births in 2018.

Archer began as an English occupational surname for a bowman, derived from the Old French *archier* and ultimately Latin *arcarius*, meaning a maker or user of bows. In Scotland, it gained modern traction as a first name alongside the trend for occupational choices like Mason or Carter. Famous bearers include novelist Jeffrey Archer and the animated spy Sterling Archer, whose sharp wit made the name familiar to a new generation. While no major Scottish place shares its root, the name conjures historical archers like those at the Battle of Falkirk. As a notable variant, Archibald is a traditional Scottish equivalent, but Archer has surged in popularity since the 2010s, reflecting a taste for strong, medieval-inspired names.