Show ContentsArchebald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Archebald 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 Archebald family

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

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

Archebald Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Archebald family name include Archbold, Archbald, Archibaldson, Archibald, Archibold, Harchbald, Arkanbaldus, Archebald and many more.

Early Notables of the Archebald family

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

Ireland Migration of the Archebald family to Ireland

Some of the Archebald 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 Archebald family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Archebald family to immigrate North America: 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 Archebald 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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