Archie: Baby Name of the DayArchie takes center stage, in honor of the newest member of the British royal family.

With congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, let’s talk about our stylish Baby Name of the Day.

Archibald

There’s something Scottish about Archibald, but that doesn’t quite reflect the name’s roots. It comes from Germanic name elements, the first meaning true; the second meaning bold. That feels rather auspicious. The spelling changed to reflect the Greek archos – master.

It all makes this name rather grand.

Scottish aristocratic families favored the name, and it’s filtered into use as a vaguely privileged and sophisticated choice. Think of Gossip Girl’s Nate Archibald, and a bunch of real-life members of the Roosevelt family, too. And, of course, it’s the birth name of debonair Hollywood leading man Cary Grant – who started life as Archibald Leach.

Archie Andrews

But then there’s Archie. It’s a completely different vibe – casual and accessible. While Archibald never cracked the US Top 250, and has been gone from the Top 1000 since the 1920s, Archie used to rank in the Top 100. In fact, it only left the US Top 1000 in the 1980s.

A handful of uses come to mind, but the comics give us one of the most enduring: Archie Andrews, of Riverdale. We met him way back in 1941. (Fun fact: his first nickname was Chick.) He’s an athlete and lead singer of a band. His affections waver between Betty and Veronica. And, over the last eight decades, he’s had all sorts of adventures – in the comics, on the radio, and now on television.

The CW’s Riverdale has given the series a whole new vibe, with KJ Apa starring as the red-headed lead character.

Archie Bunker

In between the comic strip’s debut and the small screen reboot, this name picked up a handful of other associations. Maybe the best known one came courtesy of another television character, the legendary Archie Bunker of All in the Family. Played by Carroll O’Connor, the lead character of the 1970s hit sitcom was rude, aggressive, opinionated, sexist, and racist.

I suppose Bunker reflected his era. It’s also true that many storylines demonstrated his ability to change and grow.

The show became a massive hit, and Carol O’Connor a major celebrity. It likely explains why the fading name finally fizzled in the 80s.

But with the passing of five decades, the reference isn’t familiar to most parents today, which frees us to think about the image of Archie in a fresh light.

Top 100

Meanwhile, in the UK, Archie entered the Top 100 way back in the year 2000.

It’s part of a wave of nickname-names, casual and cozy favorites like Alfie, Frankie, and Harry that are all the rage.

Archie has ranked in the English Top 20 in recent years. British Baby Names puts it on a list of Lively Lads names, along with Dexter and Jack.

Archer

While it’s perceived differently in the US, it’s worth noting that Archer is rising up the US popularity charts at a fast pace. The occupational surname went from unranked in 2008 to just outside of the current Top 250. That suggests that parents are warming to a similar sound in the US, too.

The Next Big Thing

Now that Harry and Meghan have chosen the name for their son, the question is whether it will catch on in the US.

As is the case with Will and Kate’s kids, the name is already mainstream in the UK, making it tough to guess how much a royal baby might impact parents’ naming decisions. But in the US? I can see the choice proving influence, just like George has moved up the popularity charts over the last few years.

It might make a great alternative to Henry and Theo, now that they’re both so very popular, too. And with Riverdale so popular, this may be perceived as much more than just another royal baby name.

What do you think: is this name going to catch on?

About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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What do you think?

6 Comments

  1. I like the name Archie Harrison for Harry and Meghan’s baby. So many of the names that were predicted possibilities were the same names that were touted for the second son of William and Catherine, the “leftover” names.I find Archie Harrison refreshing and “just right” for this baby boy.

  2. “All In The Family” was based on the British sitcom “Till Death Us Do Part” (1965-1975). Archie (Archibald) Bunker in the US version was originally called Alf (Alfred) Garnett in the original UK version.

    1. Thanks! Was it as big a hit? When I was little, I can remember Carroll O’Connor being EVERYWHERE – which was pretty much when the show was ending. (Or maybe even over?) And I’d guess anyone 30-ish or so recognizes the reference “Archie Bunker” here … though, of course, lots of first-time parents won’t …

      1. Yes it was. It is now considered a classic. It ran from 1965-1975, however it hasn’t been re-shown since at least the 1990s, due too its “un-PC” content. It does appear a lot in clip form in montage shows or “Most Influential/Best sitcom” programmes a lot though, so I’ve always been aware of Alf Garnett, even though I’ve never seen an episode.

        Alfie has seen great success in England in the last decade, despite Alf Garnett, most likely because young millennial parents choosing the name Alfie have no idea who Alf Garnett is.
        I wonder if the case will be similar for Archie in the US with many young American millennial parents not really knowing about Archie Bunker much.

        1. Interesting – and yes, I’d guess than anyone younger than me won’t remember Archie Bunker. Or if they do, it’s a vague reference, not an immediate image.

  3. Interestingly, “All In The Family” was based on the British sitcom “Till Death Us Do Part” (1965-1975). Archie (Archibald) Bunker in the US version was originally called Alf (Alfred) Garnett in the original UK version.