Archibald is a name of Scottish origin that has been used throughout history. It is derived from the Old German word "Erchimbald," which is composed of two elements: "erchino" meaning "genuine" or "real," and "bald" meaning "bold." Therefore, Archibald means "genuinely bold" or "real bold."
The name Archibald has been borne by several historical figures. One of the most notable was Archibald Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus (1449-1513), who played a significant role in Scottish politics during the reign of King James IV. He was also known for his involvement in the struggle between the Albany Stewarts and the royal house of Stewart.
Another famous bearer of this name is Archibald Leitch (1865-1939), a Scottish football stadium architect who designed many iconic grounds, including Highbury (Arsenal's former home) and Hampden Park. His work has had a lasting impact on British football architecture.
The name Archibald has also been used in literature and popular culture. For instance, it is the first name of the main character, Archibald Craig, in John Steinbeck's novel "Tortilla Flat." Additionally, Archibald Snuffleupagus is a fictional creature from Sesame Street, known for his large size and ability to fly.
While Archibald may seem like an old-fashioned or unusual name today, its historical roots and interesting bearers make it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.
The statistics provided give us insight into the usage of the name Archibald in the United States over time. From 1880 to 1979, there were periods where the name was quite popular, with as many as 73 births recorded in a single year (1917). However, from 1980 onwards, there has been a notable decline in popularity. For instance, in 1985, only 6 babies were named Archibald.
Despite this decrease in popularity, it is worth noting that the name began to see a resurgence around the year 2000. Between 2000 and 2023, there has been an overall increase in births with the name Archibald. This could indicate a renewed interest in the name among parents.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 3620 babies named Archibald in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name may fluctuate over time, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout history.