The son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been named as Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.
Archie is the shortened version of Archibald, a traditionally Scottish name which is said to mean ‘true, bold and brave’.
Unlike many senior royals, Archie only has one middle name – Harrison – which is of Aboriginal origin and, in a fitting tribute to the baby’s father, means ‘son of Henry’ or ‘son of Harry’.
Many in Britain had expected a more traditional royal name, with bookies favouring James, Arthur, and Edward, with Archie sitting at around 100/1.
The newest arrival to the royal family has been named as Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor
Harry and Meghan (above left and right) appeared with their new bundle of joy and thanked members of the public for their support
Famous Archies include red-haired cartoon character Archie Andrews from the Archie comics franchise in America, as well as NFL quarterback Archie Manning.
Archie Mitchell was a villain in the BBC soap EastEnders, Lawrenece Olivier played Archie Rice in The Entertainer, and another famous Archie is jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp.
Harrison, meanwhile, has largely been made popular thanks to Star Wars actor Harrison Ford.
The couple did not disclose why they had chosen the informal names but Archie is becoming increasingly popular in Britain and was among the top 20 most common boy’s names in 2017, according to the Office for National Statistics.
UK royal names are normally chosen from a relatively restricted pool of those used by past kings and queens.
But reports previously emerged that Meghan and Harry were considering an unusual name that was relevant to both Britain and the US.
Famous Archies include red-haired cartoon character Archie Andrews (pictured left) from the Archie comics franchise in America, as well as jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp (pictured right)
Archie Mitchell (pictured left) was a villain in the BBC soap EastEnders and Lawrenece Olivier (pictured right) played Archie Rice in The Entertainer
Meghan has made waves with her modernising ways and ignored tradition by keeping the birth and recovery process private, unlike sister-in-law Kate, who appeared before the cameras hours after giving birth.
The baby boy will not have a royal title like his cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children, but will be known simply as Master Archie.
In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the royal family announced: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to announce that they have named their son Archie Harrison.
‘The baby will be known as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.’
The surname, used by some members of the royal family, was created to recognise the lineage of both Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip.
A baby name expert said the ‘most modern Royal couple’ have chosen a ‘fresh, fun and very modern name that both reflects their new family makeup’.
SJ Ljungstrom from ChannelMum.com said: ‘Although both names are unusual in Royal circles… Archie is a wonderful choice as it encapsulates pomp and tradition while having all the cheeky chappie qualities of Harry himself.
The couple shared a photograph to Instagram today revealing the baby boy’s full name
Royal fan Terry Hutt, left, poses with Rupert Adams from the British bookmaker William Hill showing a list for the odds on names for the baby son of Prince Harry and Meghan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child together this week. Their son was born in the early hours of Monday morning and weighed 7lbs 3oz
‘Harrison also perfectly encapsulates the American and wider Commonwealth trend for using surnames as firstnames,’ she added.
‘The names work as they are noble and regal but also have the warm and caring common touch, just like the couple themselves.’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex presented their newborn son to the world earlier today, with Meghan declaring: ‘It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy.’
Speaking in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle as her husband held their two-day-old child, Meghan added: ‘He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm.’
The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to Archie on Monday. Kate and William took five days to announce the name of Prince Louis last year.
While Princess Charlotte and Prince George’s names were announced two days after the birth.
The new parents shared the news on Instagram, post pictured, and thanked ‘members of the public for their shared excitement and support’
Prince Harry’s full name is Henry Charles Albert David. After his birth, his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their second son’s name would officially be Prince Henry Charles Albert David, but that he would be known as to his family and friends as Harry.
On the birth of Prince Louis last year, many were quick to surmise the historical significance behind his name.
The name Louis was a shock to many royal spectators as it is often associated with the French monarchy, with the last King of France, Louis XVI ruling from 1774 until 1791.
Connections were also made to the Mountbatten family of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.
Louis is also Prince William’s third middle name.
Speaking from Windsor this week, a visibly-excited new dad Prince Harry (pictured) shared his immense pride as he joked of getting just two hours’ sleep
This is while, Kate Middleton and Prince William decided on naming their only daughter as Charlotte. Her full name is Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
It is clear that her first middle name ‘Elizabeth’ is a nod to the current Queen, with Diana being a nod to William’s late mother.
Her first name however, could be seen as the feminine version of Prince Charles, however it is also the middle name of her mother’s sister, Pippa Middleton.
Princess Charlotte’s eldest brother, Prince George is said to be named after Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI.
His middle names are Alexander and Louis. The former is the male version of Her Majesty’s middle name, Alexandra, with the latter being in honour of Louis Mountbatten, Prince Phillip’s uncle.