← All names

Archibald

Boy name · 400 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Archibald: 400 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 19 births in 2009.

Archibald is a name of Old German origin, formed from *ercan* meaning "genuine" or "precious" and *bald* meaning "bold" or "brave," so it essentially means "truly bold." It came into Scotland via the Normans, where it became a staple of the Scottish aristocracy, most famously borne by Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll, a powerful 18th-century statesman. The name also belongs to Archibald "Archie" Leach, the birth name of Hollywood legend Cary Grant. The Scottish town of Arbroath shares the same root, as it was originally Aberbrothock, but the name Archibald itself has no direct place connection. A notable variant is the friendly short form "Archie," which has seen a major revival in Scotland and the UK in recent years, often chosen for its vintage charm.