Archibald

Background:  Archibald comes from the is a Boernician region of the Scottish/English Borderlands. It is a name derived from the personal name Arcebold or Arcenbald which means "right bold", "precious bold" or "holy prince".

The surname Archibald is of patronymic origin, being derived from the first name of the father of the original bearer. Archibald is derived from the ancient German personal name Ercambald for which the literal translation is “precious-bold”. The surname Archibald simply signifies “son of” or “descendant of” Archibald. This surname is particularly associated with Scotland where one of the earliest records of the name is of Erchembaldus, Abbot of Dunfermelyne, circa 1180 A. D.

One Robert Archibald received a charter of the Hospital of Roxborough in 1390 from Robert III, King of Scotland. John Archibald was a witness in St. Andrews in 1545.

Notable bearers of the surname include Sir Adams George Archibald, Canadian jurist of Scottish descent. He held the positions of Solicitor-General, Lieutenant-Governor and Attorney-General in Nova Scotia. Adams George Archibald was also one of the Fathers of Confederation in Canada.

Name Variations:  Arcebold, Arcenbald, Archibald, Ercambald, Erchembaldus, Arcbald, Archbald.

References:
One or more of the following publications has been referenced for this article.
The General Armory; Sir Bernard Burke - 1842.
A Handbook of Mottoes; C.N. Elvin - 1860.
Scottish Clans and Tartans; Neil Grant - 2000.
Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia; George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire - 1994.
Scottish Clans and Tartans; Ian Grimble - 1973.
World Tartans; Iain Zaczek - 2001.
Clans and Families of Scotland; Alexander Fulton - 1991.
Babcock History: http://babcock-history.com/exhibits/show/our-family-history/archibald-family-history

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