Show ContentsArchbald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Archbald

What does the name Archbald mean?

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. The name came to British Isles as a personal (first) name in the wake of the Norman invasion of 1066, before becoming a surname.

Early Origins of the Archbald family

The surname Archbald was first found in Roxburghshire, about 30 miles southeast of Edinburgh. They had been settled from very ancient times in the Kelso area. Before the name became a surname, there was mention of an "Achebaldus filius Swani de Forgrunde," during the reign of King William, the Lion, of Scotland (1143-1214).

Early History of the Archbald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Archbald research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1390, 1545, 1650, 1785, 1822 and 1870 are included under the topic Early Archbald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Archbald Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: 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.

Migration of the Archbald family to Ireland

Some of the Archbald family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Archbald migration to Australia +

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 1


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. 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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