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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Archie and the connoations

109 replies

inky1991 · 29/01/2023 21:30

So we're expecting a baby boy very soon. My husband and I don't agree on many names but we both really love the name Archie. I have personally wanted that name since I can remember.

As soon as Harry and Meghan announced they'd called their boy Archie, I was pissed off. They got there first as took us a very long time to conceive, and I knew when and if our time came, people might assume we copied them, or it would suddenly become mega over used.

Now I don't really need peoples opinions on the name itself, as I know these kind of names can be marmite on mumsnet as some see them at "cutesy" or whatever.

Anyway I just wanted to know what comes to your mind when you hear the name Archie? Do you immediately think of Harry and Meghan? My husband tells me to get over myself, and that people wouldn't think that, but he's not really up to date with any current affairs especially anything to do with Royal Family. My immediate family have made it pretty clear they aren't keen cause of connotations of H&M.

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BridieConvert · 29/01/2023 22:49

I work in a nursery and Archie reminds me of a cheeky wee boy we had last year! I never associate it with Harry and Megan.

Original poster
inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:46

Pinkdafodils · 29/01/2023 22:30

Archie, Alfie etc are starting to sound dated in a bad way imo

You're probably right, but how can you be sure you won't choose a name that dates? These names are still making top of the lists so aren't dated as of yet. Of course, they might be one day though.

Is the only way to avoid dated names to call your child a classic name like Henry, Tom, George etc? Those names are fine but also really over used and not too exciting either IMO.

OP posts:
CountTheTimes · 29/01/2023 22:44

inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:23

Still can’t believe you wrote you were pissed off that they got there first.

Why? It's not that ridiculous. Probably the most famous couple in the world announce they've called their baby the name you've always wanted. It was a little irritating to me, yes.

Why? Because it’s such a popular name that it doesn’t matter how famous they are.

29052022J · 29/01/2023 22:41

My husband is an Archie and so is the neighbour’s dog. Makes for some confusion if he’s in the garden and I’m calling him from the kitchen 😂

lollipoprainbow · 29/01/2023 22:40

As soon as Harry and Meghan announced they'd called their boy Archie, I was pissed off. They got there first as took us a very long time to conceive

Get a grip Jesus

MuckyPlucky · 29/01/2023 22:40

It’s so over-used that the association with H&M’s child will be diluted a lot.

4thonthe4th · 29/01/2023 22:39

Pinkdafodils · 29/01/2023 22:30

Archie, Alfie etc are starting to sound dated in a bad way imo

Agree.

4thonthe4th · 29/01/2023 22:38

inky1991 · 29/01/2023 21:50

Is it really that extremely common? I'm under no illusions that it's unique or hardly ever used, but I literally know no Archie's. I ask all my friends with little boys how many there are in nursery etc and they all say none?

I'm aware it sits fairly high on top boys names lists, which is why I'm always surprised I don't hear of more. I hear of loads of Albie's, Arthur's and Arlo's though.

Maybe it's just not as common in my area

I have just counted up and between acquaintances, employees, children in DCs schools, DCs clubs & playgroups: I’ve met 14 Archie’s (that I can remember) in the last 8 years.
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear it isn’t H&M. It’s not a name I would use though.

Needmorelego · 29/01/2023 22:36

I think of my late father in law, a little boy we knew at baby group and a friend's hamster.

WeWereInParis · 29/01/2023 22:34

I was pregnant at the same time as Meghan and a woman I met at antenatal class was so annoyed when they called him Archie as she had that planned for her son (who was due a couple of weeks after Archie was born). She was worried everyone would think she'd used the name because she wanted to be like Meghan/like the royal family etc.
She did still use the name and it doesn't bother her at all now, and certainly no one references it to her.

Pinkdafodils · 29/01/2023 22:30

Archie, Alfie etc are starting to sound dated in a bad way imo

Original poster
inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:23

Still can’t believe you wrote you were pissed off that they got there first.

Why? It's not that ridiculous. Probably the most famous couple in the world announce they've called their baby the name you've always wanted. It was a little irritating to me, yes.

OP posts:
CountTheTimes · 29/01/2023 22:17

inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:05

You might not see the problem with the link but many people don't like them. They're controversial

Show quote history

But their little boy isn’t. And there will likely be 3 in every class at school.

Still can’t believe you wrote you were pissed off that they got there first. 🤪

Orangebadger · 29/01/2023 22:17

There's 1 Archie in my sons year groups. He's in reception at a 3 form entry school. None in my daughters year, she's yr 5. So yes there are Archies out there but I am surprised it's in the top 10 tbh. I meet more dogs caller Archie than boys.

DestinysGrandchild · 29/01/2023 22:08

I just think of Archie the inventor.

Changechangychange · 29/01/2023 22:07

inky1991 · 29/01/2023 21:50

Is it really that extremely common? I'm under no illusions that it's unique or hardly ever used, but I literally know no Archie's. I ask all my friends with little boys how many there are in nursery etc and they all say none?

I'm aware it sits fairly high on top boys names lists, which is why I'm always surprised I don't hear of more. I hear of loads of Albie's, Arthur's and Arlo's though.

Maybe it's just not as common in my area

Massively common (as in widespread, not as in tacky), so much so that when H&M named their child that I rolled my eyes - it is the Daisy-Mae of boys’ names.

It is literally in the top 10, I’m surprised you don’t know any.

NancyJoan · 29/01/2023 22:05

Two Archies in my DD’s friendship group (two lovely teenage lads). And DH’s aunt’s dog. It’s a great name, not too royal at all.

Original poster
inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:05

CountTheTimes · 29/01/2023 22:01

As soon as Harry and Meghan announced they'd called their boy Archie, I was pissed off. They got there first as took us a very long time to conceive

You sound ridiculous. Is this even real? 😂

There’s loads of Archies, it’s been popular well before Harry and Meghan used it. I don’t see the problem with the link to them anyway.

You might not see the problem with the link but many people don't like them. They're controversial

OP posts:
MarchingGiraffes · 29/01/2023 22:04

I think of Archie comics from Friends 😅

Original poster
inky1991 · 29/01/2023 22:03

R0ckets · 29/01/2023 21:56

Is it really that extremely common?

Yes honestly it is ridiculously popular. I'd be very surprised if he was the only on his class and unless you're insanely lucky there will almost certainly be a few in any school, class or group he attends.

I'm surprised your friends all say they don't know any most schools and nursery's are drowning in boys with 'A' names Archie included.

I didn't mind too much about it being a bit popular. I definitely wouldn't expect him to be the only one in his school with that name. Unique or really "out there" boys names aren't really my bag, I prefer them to be a little more classical. Girls names are much easier to go unique on IMO

OP posts:
CountTheTimes · 29/01/2023 22:01

As soon as Harry and Meghan announced they'd called their boy Archie, I was pissed off. They got there first as took us a very long time to conceive

You sound ridiculous. Is this even real? 😂

There’s loads of Archies, it’s been popular well before Harry and Meghan used it. I don’t see the problem with the link to them anyway.

R0ckets · 29/01/2023 21:56

Is it really that extremely common?

Yes honestly it is ridiculously popular. I'd be very surprised if he was the only on his class and unless you're insanely lucky there will almost certainly be a few in any school, class or group he attends.

I'm surprised your friends all say they don't know any most schools and nursery's are drowning in boys with 'A' names Archie included.

Viviennemary · 29/01/2023 21:53

If you like the name just use it. Who cares about Harry and Meghan. I dont know any.

Original poster
inky1991 · 29/01/2023 21:50

Is it really that extremely common? I'm under no illusions that it's unique or hardly ever used, but I literally know no Archie's. I ask all my friends with little boys how many there are in nursery etc and they all say none?

I'm aware it sits fairly high on top boys names lists, which is why I'm always surprised I don't hear of more. I hear of loads of Albie's, Arthur's and Arlo's though.

Maybe it's just not as common in my area

OP posts:
R0ckets · 29/01/2023 21:49

Honestly Archie is so popular I doubt anyone would think of Harry and Megan's child upon hearing the name, they would likely think of one of the many Archie's they knew in real life.

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