Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly named royal baby Archie after the Duchess' pet cat

meghan markle unusual baby name inspiration
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have named their son Archie after the Duchess' pet cat.

Royal baby Archie, who arrived on Monday, is believed to have been named after both Meghan Markle’s pet cat and a vintage US comic that she used to collect as a child, according to one of the Duchess' former friends.

The newest royal’s non-traditional moniker, which was revealed by the couple on Wednesday, is said to be a nostalgic nod to the new mum’s beloved pet who she used to show off to friends and who was also loved by Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland.

READ MORE: The one thing you probably missed during Archie's first public appearance

‘Doria rescued Archie and he became an important part of the household,’ an old friend of the Duchess of Sussex told The Sun. ‘Meghan loved playing with him and she was always talking about him to her friends.

‘It’s no surprise she named her new baby Archie,’ continued the friend. ‘She loved that cat.’

meghan markle unusual baby name inspiration

Credit: Getty

The beloved pet, who is believed to have passed away while Meghan was away at university in Illinois, is said to have been named after the protagonist in US comic Archie, which the Duchess collected as a child with dad Thomas Markle.

‘She would spend her weekends going to vintage stores to buy the comics,’ said the friend.

Meghan is said to have been ‘obsessed’ with the American comic, which has now been remade into popular TV programme Riverdale, that follow Archie Andrews and his friends.

READ MORE: Royal fans praise Meghan Markle for showing what women actually look like after giving birth

Despite their turbulent relationship, the comic-inspired name, which Prince George might have let slip months ago, could also be a nod to her father as it was an interest that the two shared together.

‘This could be a little nod to her dad,’ claimed the friend. ‘It was him who instilled that hobby into her, that was their activity together.

‘He would drive her around and also surprise her with vintage volumes,’ the friend continued. ‘She had at least 100. This may be a way to reach out to her dad, even after all that’s happened.’

Aleesha Badkar
Lifestyle Writer

Aleesha Badkar is a lifestyle writer who specialises in health, beauty - and the royals. After completing her MA in Magazine Journalism at the City, the University of London in 2017, she interned at Women’s Health, Stylist, and Harper’s Bazaar, creating features and news pieces on health, beauty, and fitness, wellbeing, and food. She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid.