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Cape Town – Social media has been buzzing since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their first-born son's moniker.
The royal couple introduced Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor to the world on Wednesday, without any royal titles attached to it.
READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan reject royal title for baby Archie in hopes of a 'normal life'
According to Sky News, Harry and Meghan's choice of name raised some eyebrows with Archie not being amongst traditional favourites, such as Alexander, Arthur, Albert, James and Philip.
Archie is of German origin and is the shortened version of Archibald, meaning "bold" or "brave". His second name, Harrison, is of Aboriginal origin and means "son of Henry" or "son of Harry".
Moreover, while some may be convinced little Archie's cousin, Prince George may have revealed what his name would be months ago, there are several theories as to what inspired Harry and Meghan to choose the unique name.
READ NEXT: Did Prince George reveal Archie's royal name back in January?
HERE ARE 5 POSSIBLE THEORIES ABOUT HOW ARCHIE GOT HIS NAME:
1. A tribute to Princess Diana
The first theory about Archie's name to surface, after it was announced, is that his moniker is a tribute to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.
One of Diana's ancestors was Archibald Campbell, the ninth Earl of Argyll - a Sottish Protestant leader who lived from 1629 to 1685 and was killed over his opposition to the Roman Catholic James II, according to Express UK.
2. A tribute to Meghan's childhood pet cat
After Archie's name reveal, rumours swirled that the new royal was named after Meghan's beloved childhood pet cat who had the same name.
A former friend of Meghan's revealed to Mirror: "Doria [Meghan's mom] rescued Archie and he became an important part of the household.
"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. She loved that cat."
3. Inspiration from a little boy from New Zealand
A boy named Archie Somerville-Ryan claims to have impressed the duke and duchess when he met them during their tour of New Zealand in October.
Speaking to New Zealand news service Newshub, the young boy recalled Harry complementing him on his name, saying: "Harry asked all of me and my sisters, 'What's your name?' and then we answered back, 'Scarly, Beth and Archie.'"
The scholar then goes on to gush about Harry's compliment, saying: "And then he said, 'Archie, I like that name.'"
WATCH A CLIP OF THE INTERVIEW HERE:
4. A near-anagram of Meghan's first name
Some fans seem to believe that little Archie's name is a secret tribute to Meghan herself, with theories pointing out that his name is a near-anagram of Meghan's first name, Rachel.
Archie contains all the letters present in Rachel, except for the 'i' and the 'l', however according to fan theories, the 'i' could pass for an 'l' if capitalised, Daily Mail reports.
5. In honour of Harry's former British Army commanding officer
According to The Sun UK, Archie's name may have been to honour someone who played a vital role in Harry's life when he was in the military.
Major Tom Archer-Burton – who was affectionately known as Archie – was the British royal's former Army commanding officer and was the one instrumental in getting Harry deployed to Afghanistan.
A source told the publication: "It's well known in Army circles, and Archie’s inner circle, that baby Archie is a nod to him."
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