Archer

boyEnglish

Archer is an boy name of English, from Old French origin, meaning “Bowman, one who shoots with a bow”.

MeaningBowman, one who shoots with a bow
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish, from Old French
PronunciationAR-cher
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Australia

Meaning and origin of Archer

Archer began as an English occupational surname for a bowman, from Old French archier, ultimately Latin arcus, 'bow'. Like Hunter and Mason, it moved from surname to first name and rose quickly in English-speaking countries in the 2000s and 2010s. Isabel Archer, heroine of Henry James's 'The Portrait of a Lady', gave it a literary association long before it became fashionable for boys.

Is Archer a religious name?

Archer has no religious background; it is a secular occupational name.

How popular is Archer?

Popular for boys in Australia, the UK and the US in recent years.

Gifts with the name Archer

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Spellings and variants of Archer

ArchierLarcher

Names similar to Archer

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Archer mean?

Archer means 'Bowman, one who shoots with a bow'. It is of English, from Old French origin.

Does Archer have a religious meaning?

Archer has no religious background; it is a secular occupational name.

How do you pronounce Archer?

Archer is pronounced AR-cher.

Is Archer a boy or girl name?

Archer is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.