A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Arch since 1880
Babies named Arch per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 415 |
| 1890s | 236 |
| 1900s | 138 |
| 1910s | 344 |
| 1920s | 431 |
| 1930s | 245 |
| 1940s | 206 |
| 1950s | 176 |
| 1960s | 119 |
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 18 |
| 2020s | 144 |
Meaning & origin
Arch is a rare name that has seen sporadic use since 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. records. It reached its peak rank of 2765 in 1880 (a rank it still holds in 2025, though the name is more common now relative to the total population). The name is significantly less common than its longer forms like Archer or Archibald, but its simplicity gives it a distinctive, vintage feel. Since 2016, Arch has been rising in popularity, reflecting a broader trend toward short, classic-sounding names. In 2025, roughly 1 in 37132 male babies was named Arch, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon Old English-derived name. Texas, the only top state for Arch, shows a slight regional preference. While its etymology is debated, Arch stands on its own as a standalone name with a short, sturdy sound.
The name Arch has multiple debated origins. It may derive from the Old English element eorcon, meaning 'genuine' or 'precious,' related to the Old English word for a precious stone (eorclanstan). More commonly, English usage treats Arch as either a diminutive of Archer (a surname derived from a bowman) or as a nickname for Archibald, a medieval name of Germanic origin meaning 'genuine and bold.' The name has seen scattered but consistent use as a given name since the 1880s.
Where Arch is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Arch
Names that share Arch's style, for a brother or sister.
