Show ContentsArchbald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Archbald 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 Archbald family

The surname Archbald was first found in throughout Southern England. As a personal name, Archbald 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 Archbald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Archbald 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 Archbald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Archbald Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Archbold, Archbald, Archibaldson, Archibald, Archibold, Harchbald, Arkanbaldus, Archebald and many more.

Early Notables of the Archbald family

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

Ireland Migration of the Archbald family to Ireland

Some of the Archbald 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.


Australia Archbald migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Archbald Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Martha Archbald, aged 24, a domestic servant, who arrived in Kangaroo Island aboard the ship "Buffalo" in 1836 6


The Archbald 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)
  6. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HMS BUFFALO 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836Buffalo.htm


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