Arch

This name derives from Old High German “Erchanbald,” composed of two elements: “*erknaz” (sublime, special, egregious, genuine, authentic, sincerity, purity ‘of faith’) plus “*balðraz” (power, strength, brave, bold, able-bodied). The first element could be altered due to the influence of Greek names beginning with the element “arkhós (ἀρχός),” meaning “master, ruler, leader, prince.” In England, the Normans carried the name, and became widespread in Scotland during the middle ages. Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell, was the de facto head of government in Scotland during most of the conflict known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, also known as the British Civil War.