107+ Best Archer Names In Fiction, Sport, And History

Georgia Stone
May 10, 2024 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Nov 06, 2020
Edited by Oluniyi Akande
Fact-checked by Joan Agie
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Young female archer shooting with a bow in a field at sunset



Archery, the art of shooting arrows with a bow, has been a part of human history for millennia. From ancient hunters to skilled warriors and modern Olympic athletes, archers have captured human imaginations with their precision, focus, and grace.

It's no wonder that archer names have become increasingly popular among parents looking for a name that embodies these admirable qualities. In this article, you'll explore a wide range of archer names from various sources, each with its own unique story and meaning.

Whether you're a fan of archery and history, or simply looking for a name that stands out from the crowd, you'll find inspiration in this bullseye collection of bowman baby names.

Famous Archers In History

Archer silhouette ready to shoot an arrow during sunset.

Throughout the pages of history, many skilled archers have left a mark on the world, inspiring generations with their skill and bravery. These historical figures make for excellent boy names, giving your child a sense of legacy and pride.

1. Dongmyeong of Goguryeo (Korean origin): also named 'Jumong', which means 'skilled archer' in Buyeo, the founding King of Goguryeo, one of the three kingdoms of Korea.

2. Einar Eindridesson Thambarskelfir (Scandinavian origin): a Norwegian politician and famous archer in the Viking age.

3. Fred Bear (English origin): an American bowhunter, also known as 'The Father of Bowhunting'. He is one of the most famous hunter names around the world.

4. Horace A. Ford (Latin origin): one of the best target bowmen of all time.

5. Howard Hill (English origin): American archer in the '30s, '40s, and '50s, often known as 'The World's Greatest Archer'.

6. Ishi (Native American origin): an expert Native American archer.

7. Jack Churchill (English origin): an English military officer known as 'Mad Jack', who is said to have wielded his longbow in World War II.

8. Lu Bu (Chinese origin): a Chinese military general and archer of the Han dynasty.

9. Minamoto Na Tametomo (Japanese origin): a Samurai archer of the 12th century. He is said to have sunk a ship with just one arrow.

10. Robin Hood (English origin): the iconic hero from English folklore, who robbed the rich to help the poor.

11. Tomoe Gozen (Japanese origin): a female Japanese archer from the late 12th century.

12. William Tell (German origin): expert crossbowman from Swiss folklore, famous for his 'apple shot'.

13. Yue Fei (Chinese origin): a Chinese military general from the Song dynasty.

Famous Archers In Mythology

Mythology is a treasure chest of stories about skilled shooters who used bows and arrows to do amazing things. From the Greek god Apollo to the Hindu warrior Arjuna, these famous figures make for interesting and unique archer names that are sure to make people want to learn more and admire them.

Each mythological archer has a story to tell, a legacy to uphold, and a set of qualities that arrows represent: strength, focus, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

14. Abhimanyu (Sanskrit origin): son of Arjuna in 'Mahabharata' who fought in the Kurukshetra War.

15. Amazons (Greek origin): the legendary women warriors in Greek mythology who were master archers.

16. Apollo (Greek origin): the Olympian god of music, who was also a master archer.

17. Arash (Persian origin): an expert archer in Iranian mythology.

18. Arjuna (Sanskrit origin): the protagonist of the Hindu epic 'Mahabharata', known as the greatest archer in Hindu mythology.

19. Artemis (Greek origin): the Greek goddess of hunting and archery.

20. Ashwatthama (Sanskrit origin): son of Guru Dronacharya. He battled the Pandavas in 'Mahabharata'.

21. Atalanta (Greek origin): a Greek heroine known for her love for archery.

22. Bhishma (Sanskrit origin): a character in 'Mahabharata', and one of the greatest archer names of all time.

23. Chiron (Greek origin): the centaur in Greek mythology whose main weapon is the bow and arrow.

24. Cupid (Latin origin): the Greek God of love who is pictured with a bow and arrow.

25. Diana (Latin origin): the Roman goddess of hunting and archery, an equivalent of Artemis.

26. Drona (Sanskrit origin): a guru in 'Mahabharata' who trained many Kauravas and Pandavas in archery.

27. Egil (Norse origin): a skilled archer from Norse mythology.

28. Eklavya (Sanskrit origin): a self-learned archer from the Hindu epic 'Mahabharata'.

29. Feng Meng (Chinese origin): apprentice and killer of Houyi, the Lord Archer in Chinese Mythology.

30. Hayk the Great (Armenian origin): Armenia's founder and master archer.

31. Heracles or Hercules (Greek origin): the famed Greek hero who carried out The Twelve Labors.

32. Houyi (Chinese origin): the gifted divine archer in Chinese mythology.

33. Odysseus (Greek origin): Greek King from the Trojan War and hero of Homer's epic 'Odyssey'. He has a legendary bow that no one could string.

34. Paris (Greek origin): one of the main figures in the Trojan War in Greek mythology. He shot an arrow through the heel of Achilles.

35. Rama (Sanskrit origin): from 'Ramayana', the Hindu deity who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He easily wielded Sharanga, the divine bow of Lord Vishnu.

36. Skaði (Norse origin): the Norse goddess of archery and winter.

37. Teucer (Greek origin): an expert archer in Greek mythology.

38. Ullr (Norse origin): a Norse God who was an excellent hunter, skier, and archer.

Famous Archers In Movies, TV And Literature

A man releasing an arrow from his bow.

Archery has become more famous again in recent years, in part because it is used a lot in movies, TV shows, and books. From the skilled elven archer Legolas in 'The Lord Of The Rings' to the brave Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games', these fictional characters have introduced a new generation to the appeal of archery.

39. Abigail Whistler (Hebrew origin): a character from 'Blade: Trinity' who wields a compound bow.

40. Alec Lightwood (Scottish, English origin): the protagonist from the novel series 'Mortal Instruments' and the TV series 'Shadowhunters'.

41. Allison Argent (English origin): a proficient archer from the TV series 'Teen Wolf'.

42. Artemis Crock/Tigress (Greek origin): a fictional supervillain from 'DC Comics'.

43. Arwyn (Welsh origin): accomplished archer and the main character from the fantasy comics 'Soujourn'.

44. Bard the Bowman (Norse, English origin): a character from J. R. R Tolkien's fantasy novel series 'The Hobbit', who kills Smaug the Dragon.

45. Barney Barton (English origin): brother of Clint Barton in 'Marvel Comics'.

46. Bow (English origin): a master archer from the animated series 'She Ra And The Princesses Of Power'.

47. Clint Barton/Hawkeye (English origin): one of the famed archer names from Marvel Comics, specifically the 'The Avengers' series.

48. Daryl Dixon (English origin): a fictional character from the post-apocalyptic zombie TV series 'The Walking Dead'.

49. Eragon: the protagonist from the high fantasy novel series, 'The Inheritance Cycle'.

50. Gale Hawthorne (English origin): one of the primary characters from 'The Hunger Games'.

51. Green Arrow/Oliver Queen (Latin origin): superhero vigilante archer from DC Comics and the TV series 'Arrow'.

52. Guinevere (Welsh origin): a skilled archer in the film 'King Arthur', played by Keira Knightley.

53. Huntress/Helena Bertinelli (Greek origin): a superheroine from 'DC Comics' who uses the compound bow.

54. Hua Rong (Chinese origin): the legendary archer in 'Water Margin', one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature.

55. John Rambo (Hebrew origin): played by Sylvester Stallone in 'Rambo', the 2008 film.

56. Kate Bishop (English origin): an archer superheroine belonging to 'Young Avengers' in the MCU.

57. Karai (Japanese origin): a female character from the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' comics.

58. Kili: a skilled archer in Thorin's company of dwarfs in 'The Hobbit'.

59. Legolas Greenleaf: from 'The Lord Of The Rings'. He is one of the most notable archery characters in popular culture.

60. Katniss Everdeen: the name of the protagonist of 'The Hunger Games' series.

61. May Welland (English origin): from the historical film and novel 'The Age Of Innocence'.

62. Maya/ Chandi Gupta (Sanskrit origin): a superhero from DC Comics. She can manifest the powers of the elements.

63. Merlyn/Dark Archer (Welsh origin): from 'DC Comics', the arch-rival of Green Arrow.

64. Neytiri: the name of the lead female character of the 2009 sci-fi film 'Avatar'.

65. Prince William (German origin): supporting character and love interest of Snow White in 'Snow White And The Huntsman'.

66. Princess Merida (Celtic origin): the name of the protagonist of the Disney animated film 'Brave', known for her archery skills.

67. Sterling Archer (English origin): from the animated series 'Archer', wields a recurve bow.

68. Susan Pevensie (Hebrew origin): the name of the eldest sister among the Pevensie siblings and proficient archer in 'The Chronicles Of Narnia'.

69. Tauriel: a female character name from the film series 'The Hobbit' who wields the bow.

70. Theon Greyjoy (Greek origin): son of Balon Greyjoy and ward of Eddard Stark in the novel series 'A Song Of Ice And Fire' and its adapted TV series 'Game Of Thrones'.

71. Will Treaty (English origin): the name of a ranger in the novel series 'Ranger's Apprentice'.

72. Ygritte: name of one of the Free Folk in 'Game Of Thrones'.

73. Zartan: character name from 'G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero', a bow-wielding villain mercenary.

Famous Archers In Manga And Anime

Female fictional character in woods fixing an arrow into her bow.

In the vibrant world of manga and anime, archers take center stage, captivating audiences with their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit. Their names are often culturally significant and have deeper meanings, which makes them special and easy to remember for your little warrior.

74. Archer (English origin): one of the main protagonists in the series 'Fate, Stay Night'.

75. Ashitaka (Japanese origin): a fantasy archer protagonist in the animated film 'Princess Mononoke'.

76. Kagome Higurashi (Japanese origin): the female protagonist in 'InuYasha' and reincarnation of Kikyo, a famed archer.

77. Miyuki Sagara (Japanese origin): a character from the series 'Red Data Girl', trained in archery.

78. Natsume Tsuchimikado (Japanese origin): from the TV series 'Tokyo Ravens'. He wields magical arrows.

79. Pokkle: archer and hunter who competed in the Hunter Exam in the series 'Hunter & Hunter'.

80. Rei Hino/Sailor Mars (Japanese origin): from the series 'Sailor Moon'. He has a special attack called Mars Flame Sniper which involves shooting a flaming arrow.

81. Rowen Hashiba (English origin): one of the five Ronin Warriors in the series 'Samurai Heart', skilled in archery.

82. Ruriko Ikusawa (Japanese origin): one of the Gate Keepers recruited by A.E.G.I.S. in the series 'Gate Keepers'. She uses the bow and arrow during combat.

83. Shino Asada/ Shinon (Japanese origin): a character appearing in the series 'Sword Art Online'.

84. Tigrevurmund Vorn/Tigre: protagonist and owner of the Black Bow in the series 'Lord Marksman & Vanadis'.

85. Uryu Ishida (Japanese origin): who uses Kojaku, a bow made of spiritual energy in the series 'Bleach'.

86. Yona (Hebrew origin): a princess in the TV show 'Yona Of The Dawn'.

Famous Archers In Video Games

Video games have long been a source of inspiration for parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. In the gaming world, archers are often depicted as skilled, agile, and strategic characters, making them popular choices for players and parents alike.

87. Ashe (English origin): who belongs to the Avarosan tribe in the game 'League Of Legends'.

88. Ellie (English origin): a character in the game series 'The Last Of Us'.

89. Fran (English origin): female character belonging to the Viera race in the video game series 'Final Fantasy'.

90. Garrett (English origin): the protagonist in the game series 'Thief', whose primary weapon of choice is the bow.

91. Hanzo Shimada (Japanese origin): from the series 'Overwatch'.

92. Lara Croft (Latin origin): the main protagonist of the video game series 'Tomb Raider' who primarily uses a bow and arrows in battle.

93. Link (English origin): a fictional character from the game series 'The Legend Of Zelda'.

94. Pit (Greek origin): the protagonist in the Nintendo video game series 'Kid Icarus', who wields a magical bow.

95. Prophet (English origin): the main character in 'Crysis 3' who uses a compound bow known as the Predator Bow.

96. Shinon (Japanese origin): a skilled archer in the fantasy game series 'Fire Emblem'.

97. Sylvanas Windrunner (The Dark Lady): appearing in the 'Warcraft' video game series.

98. Wander (English origin): the protagonist in the game series 'Shadow Of The Colossus', who primarily uses the bow and arrow.

Famous Archers In The World Of Sports

People love to do archery for fun, but it's also a very competitive sport that has produced many skilled and committed athletes. Parents who are looking for names that show persistence, focus, and the desire to do well can look at these real-life archers from around the world as examples.

99. Aida Nabila Roman Arroyo (Arabic origin): Mexican archer and three-time Olympian. She is one of the most famous archery names around the world.

100. Brady Ellison (Irish origin): top-ranked seasoned American recurve archer in Olympic archery.

101. Chang Hye Jin (Korean origin): South Korean recurve archer, this female archer has come to rank number one in women's archery.

102. Darrell Pace (English origin): famed American target archer in the '70s and '80s.

103. Hubert Van Innis (German origin): a great Belgian Olympic competitor in archery who won six gold medals at the start of the twentieth century. He participated in two Olympic competitions, 20 years apart.

104. Ki Bo-bae (Korean origin): a South Korean recurve archer who has won three gold medals at the Olympics and one bronze.

105. Kim Soo-nyung (Korean origin): famed female archer of South Korea who won four gold medals at the Olympics.

106. Ku Bon-chan (Korean origin): a South Korean recurve archer who won the 2016 Olympic gold medal for archery.

107. Michele Frangili (French, Italian origin): an Italian archer who has come to hold several world records.

108. Park Sung Hyun (Korean origin): a recurve woman archer from South Korea who was named the greatest Olympic archer in 2016.

109. Sebastien Flute (French origin): French Olympian who won the 1992 Olympics gold medal.

110. Yun Mi Jin (Korean origin): the name of an archer from South Korea who competed in two Olympic years. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist.

FAQs

What qualities do archer names typically promote? 

Archer names often inspire qualities such as precision, focus, strength, agility, and bravery; all traits associated with skilled bowmen throughout history.

Are archer names more common for boys or girls? 

While some archer names are more commonly associated with one gender or the other, many are gender-neutral and work well for both boys and girls.

What should I consider when choosing an archer name for my child? 

When choosing an archer name for your child, consider factors such as the name's meaning, cultural significance, and personal resonance. It's also essential to think about how the name will sound with your surname and whether it will age well as your child grows up.

Giving someone an archer's name is a unique and meaningful way to honor the sport of archery and the good qualities it represents. These names come from history, mythology, pop culture, or sports, and they all have a strong, focused, and determined feel that any parent would be happy to give their child.

As you explore the wide range of archer names available, remember that the perfect name is one that resonates with you and your family. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to choose a name that stands out from the crowd. With an archer's name, your child will be equipped with a strong identity and a connection to a rich cultural legacy that will inspire them to aim high and reach for the stars.

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Sources

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Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia Stone picture

Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

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Fact-checked by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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