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Arthur

♂ Boy

Pronounced AR-ther /ˈɑːr.θər/High

Meaning: Possibly from the Celtic root <em>artos</em> (bear), suggesting 'bear-man' or 'strong as a bear'Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of ancient Celtic legend, possibly meaning 'bear-man.' As the name of Britain's most famous mythological king, Arthur has never gone out of style — and it's staging a major comeback in the 2020s.
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Origin MediumCeltic, Welsh
MeaningPossibly from the Celtic root <em>artos</em> (bear), suggesting 'bear-man' or 'strong as a bear'
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 527,281

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The exact origin of Arthur remains debated. The most widely accepted theory links it to the Celtic word artos (bear), possibly combined with a suffix meaning 'man' or 'king.' Alternative theories connect it to the Roman family name Artorius or a Latin root meaning 'noble.' Its enduring fame rests on the legend of King Arthur of Camelot.

Arthur was a common name in medieval Britain and was borne by Prince Arthur of Wales (1486–1502), elder brother of Henry VIII. It remained popular through the Victorian era, boosted by Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. After a mid-20th-century dip, Arthur has resurged strongly since 2010 and is now a top-20 name in several countries.

Did you know? King Arthur's legend was first compiled in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae (c. 1138), though the name appears in Welsh poetry as early as the 7th century.

Variations

ArturoArturArt

Nicknames

ArtArtie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852)
    British military commander who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.
  • ★Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)
    British author, creator of Sherlock Holmes.

If you like Arthur…

Henry— regal English classic with the same vintage-revival appeal
George— another royal British name making a strong comeback
Edward— traditional English royal name with timeless gravitas

Frequently Asked

What does the name Arthur mean?

Arthur's meaning is debated, but the leading theory links it to the Celtic word <em>artos</em> (bear), suggesting 'bear-man' or 'strong as a bear.'

How do you pronounce Arthur?

Arthur is pronounced AR-ther /ˈɑːr.θər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Arthur a boy or girl name?

Arthur is a traditional boy's name. Female use is extremely rare.

How popular is Arthur?

Arthur has been experiencing a significant revival since the 2010s and is now a top-10 boys' name in countries like France and the UK.