Archibald
From Anglo-Norman Arcebald, Arcenbald or Ercenbald, from Old French Archaunbault, from Proto-West Germanic *Erknabalþ, from *erkn (“pure, holy, genuine, precious”) +…
Every Archibald since 1880 — 3,985 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Archibald
Archibald is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,145 in 2025 with 184 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 3,985 American babies have been named Archibald. Its peak came in 2025, when 184 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Archibald stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Archibald year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 184 | #1,145 |
| 2024 | 176 | #1,176 |
| 2023 | 149 | #1,289 |
| 2022 | 148 | #1,289 |
| 2021 | 100 | #1,658 |
| 2020 | 96 | #1,657 |
| 2019 | 71 | #2,045 |
| 2018 | 70 | #2,050 |
| 2017 | 49 | #2,570 |
| 2016 | 51 | #2,479 |
| 2015 | 50 | #2,490 |
| 2014 | 46 | #2,626 |
| 2013 | 25 | #3,974 |
| 2012 | 34 | #3,237 |
| 2011 | 14 | #5,968 |
| 2010 | 23 | #4,247 |
| 2009 | 15 | #5,820 |
| 2008 | 10 | #7,734 |
| 2007 | 7 | #9,852 |
| 2006 | 8 | #8,784 |
| 2005 | 10 | #7,144 |
| 2004 | 9 | #7,570 |
| 2003 | 6 | #9,655 |
| 2002 | 8 | #7,694 |
| 2001 | 5 | #10,668 |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | 9 | #5,950 |
| 1990 | 12 | #4,423 |
| 1985 | 6 | #5,824 |
| 1980 | 15 | #2,971 |
| 1975 | 10 | #3,442 |
| 1970 | 8 | #3,536 |
| 1965 | 14 | #2,183 |
| 1960 | 9 | #2,879 |
| 1955 | 11 | #2,443 |
| 1950 | 17 | #1,816 |
| 1945 | 20 | #1,499 |
| 1940 | 23 | #1,400 |
| 1935 | 23 | #1,423 |
| 1930 | 32 | #1,259 |
| 1925 | 63 | #836 |
| 1920 | 60 | #887 |
| 1915 | 57 | #805 |
| 1910 | 17 | #729 |
| 1905 | 15 | #617 |
| 1900 | 14 | #682 |
| 1895 | 26 | #369 |
| 1890 | 38 | #279 |
| 1885 | 25 | #345 |
| 1880 | 27 | #326 |
Famous people named Archibald
- Archibald Hill Biologist · 1886–1977
- Archibald Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell Military personnel · 1883–1950
- Archibald Gracie IV Writer · 1858–1912
- Archibald Leitch Architect · 1865–1939
- Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery Politician · 1847–1929
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Archibald mean?
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”).
How popular is the name Archibald in 2025?
Archibald ranked #1,145 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 184 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Archibald?
3,985 babies have been named Archibald in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Archibald most popular?
Archibald peaked in 2025, when 184 newborns received the name.
Is Archibald a boy or girl name?
Archibald is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Archibald rising or falling?
Archibald is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Archibald?
Well-known people named Archibald include Archibald Hill (biologist), Archibald Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (military personnel), Archibald Gracie IV (writer).