Archer is an English name of medieval origin. It comes from the Old English word "earc", which means bow or arrow. The name was initially given to a professional archer in ancient times, but it has since evolved into a popular given name for boys.
The name Archer first appeared as a surname during the Middle Ages, used to indicate someone who worked as an archer or was known for their skill with a bow and arrow. Over time, Archer began to be used as a given name as well, particularly in England.
One of the earliest records of Archer as a given name is from the 17th century, when it appears in the parish registers of St Dionis Backchurch in London. However, it wasn't until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that Archer gained significant popularity as a first name.
Today, Archer is considered a unique yet classic choice for boys' names. Its meaning and origin make it an attractive option for parents who appreciate historical significance and want to give their child a strong, distinctive name with a clear meaning behind it.
The name Archer has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past decade and a half in the United States. With only 6 babies named Archer in 2008, the number of newborns with this unique moniker doubled to 12 by the following year. Although there was a slight dip back down to 6 births in 2010, the trend has continued to rise ever since.
By 2013, we saw a significant jump to 22 births, followed by consistent growth over the next few years. In 2017 and 2018, there were 31 and 25 babies named Archer respectively, before another spike in popularity occurred between 2019 and 2021 with numbers reaching up to 34, 35, and then stabilizing at 31 births each year.
Despite a slight decline back down to 29 births in 2023, the overall trend shows that Archer has become an increasingly popular choice for parents in the United States. In total, over the span of these fifteen years from 2008 to 2023, there have been 360 babies named Archer born in the country.
This steady increase in popularity can be attributed not only to its unique and distinctive sound but also to its versatile nature as it lends itself well to both formal (Archer) and informal (Archie) versions. Furthermore, its association with strength and skill due to its connection with archery may also contribute to its rising popularity.