Show ContentsArchabald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Archabald Surname comes from the Norman French given name Archambault, which could also be found in more "Germanic" forms such as Arcenbaldus and Arcebaldus 1 which in the early days were baptismal names. 2 "The same as Erchenbald, a powerful, bold, and speedy learner or observer." 1 3

Early Origins of the Archabald family

The surname Archabald was first found in throughout Southern England. As a personal name, Archabald can be found in the Domesday Book (1086) as Erchenbaldus, Arcenbaldus, and Arcebaldus. 4 The first record of the family name was actually as a forename, that of a Archembold Wiverun who was listed in the Pipe Rolls for 1130. Later, Robert Archenbold was recorded in the Pipe Rolls for Gloucestershire in 1210. William Erchebaud was listed in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk in 1239, Thomas Herchebaud in the Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1302 and Agnes Archebald in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1327. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included two entries for the family both found in Cambridgeshire: Roger Arkebald; and Richard Arkebolt. The Register of the University of Oxford noted that Richard Archebold was enrolled there Oct. 30, 1451. 5

Early History of the Archabald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Archabald research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1239, 1302, 1327, 1616, 1650, 1785, 1822, 1870 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Archabald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Archabald Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Archabald include Archbold, Archbald, Archibaldson, Archibald, Archibold, Harchbald, Arkanbaldus, Archebald and many more.

Early Notables of the Archabald family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Archabald Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Archabald family to Ireland

Some of the Archabald family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Archabald family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Archabalds to arrive on North American shores: James Archibald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1627; George Archibald, who received a land grant in Virginia in 1676; David Archibald who arrived in Truro, N.S. before 1800.



The Archabald Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ut reficiar
Motto Translation: That I may be replenished.


  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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