What Does the Name Archer Mean?
Archer is a boy's name of English (Norman/Old French) origin meaning “bowman, one who shoots a bow.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Archer |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | English (Norman/Old French) |
| Meaning | bowman, one who shoots a bow |
| Variants | Archie, Archibald |
| Popularity | A trendy occupational name that has risen steadily in the U.S., generally within the top 200 to 300 in recent years. |
The meaning and origin of Archer
The name Archer means “bowman, one who shoots a bow” and has English (Norman/Old French) origins. An occupational surname from Old French archier (via Latin arcus, 'bow'), denoting a bowman or archer, now widely used as a given name. It carries a strong, vintage-occupational appeal.
Variants and related names
Archer is related to several other names you may recognize: Archie, Archibald. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Archer?
A trendy occupational name that has risen steadily in the U.S., generally within the top 200 to 300 in recent years.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Archer mean?+
The name Archer means “bowman, one who shoots a bow” and is of English (Norman/Old French) origin.
What is the origin of the name Archer?+
Archer originates from English (Norman/Old French).
Is Archer a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Archer has trended in the US over time.
Archer by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press