Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Archer
BoyEnglish· “bowman”
- Meaning
- bowman
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- AR-cher
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #98
- US babies 2025
- 3,627
- Best rank
- #98 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Archer
Archer is an English name that means “bowman”.
Archer is an English occupational surname for a bowman, from the Old French archier, which goes back to the Latin arcus, meaning "bow." In medieval England archers were central to warfare and hunting, and the surname became common as a result. As a first name Archer has become fashionable in the United States, Britain and Australia, appealing to parents who like strong, outdoorsy surname names. Isabel Archer is the heroine of Henry James's novel The Portrait of a Lady, which adds a literary note. Archie is a friendly nickname, and the full name feels confident and a little sporty.
Popularity over time
Archer has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #98, and its highest count, 3,627 babies. Use has grown 184% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,459 in 1920, #1,941 in 1950, #3,000 in 2000, #551 in 2010, and #98 in 2025. Of the 31,391 US boys named Archer since records began, 56% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 11,469 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Eithan, Amir, Myles, Emiliano, and Gael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Archer ranked highest in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #26 | 26 |
| North Dakota | #27 | 24 |
| Minnesota | #30 | 121 |
| Montana | #30 | 27 |
| Vermont | #37 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Archer over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Archer is usually pronounced AR-cher, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Archer
A few middle names that flow with Archer: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Archer
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Lists that include Archer
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Archer mean?
Archer is an English name that means “bowman”.
What is the origin of the name Archer?
Archer has English roots. Archer is an English occupational surname for a bowman, from the Old French archier, which goes back to the Latin arcus, meaning "bow." In medieval England archers were central to warfare and hunting, and the surname became common as a result.
Is Archer a popular name?
Yes. Archer ranked #98 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Archer a boy or girl name?
Archer is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Archer over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Archer?
Archer is usually pronounced AR-cher. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings