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Arturo

♂ Boy

Pronounced ar-TOO-roh /arˈtu.ro/High

Meaning: Spanish and Italian form of Arthur, from the Celtic roots possibly related to the Proto-Celtic *artos ('bear') or Latin Artorius. Associated with legendary King Arthur of Britain.Medium

In 30 seconds: Arturo is the vibrant Spanish and Italian form of Arthur, a name steeped in Arthurian legend. It carries the same noble resonance as its English counterpart but with a warmer, sunnier sound.
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Origin HighCeltic, Latin
MeaningSpanish and Italian form of Arthur, from the Celtic roots possibly related to the Proto-Celtic *artos ('bear') or Latin Artorius. Associated with legendary King Arthur of Britain.
U.S. rank (2025)#627 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births446 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 57,079

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200518982025

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

History & Origin

Arturo is the Spanish and Italian adaptation of the medieval name Arthur, which entered England with Norman invaders in 1066 but likely derives from an earlier Celtic or Latin source. The Celtic root *artos means 'bear,' and some scholars link the name to the legendary warrior king of the Britons.

In the Spanish-speaking world, Arturo has been a distinguished name for centuries, associated with intellectuals, artists, and statesmen. Conductor Arturo Toscanini and writer Arturo Pérez-Reverte exemplify the name's cultural reach. It remains a top name in Latin American communities in the United States.

Did you know? The legendary King Arthur's name may derive from the Latin clan name Artorius, borne by a real Roman officer who served in Britain around 175 CE — possibly seeding the legend that became Western culture's most enduring tale of chivalry.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Arturo — etymology and variantsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ArthurArturArte

Nicknames

ArtTuroArty

Famous Bearers

  • ★Arturo Toscanini (1867–1957)
    Italian conductor, widely regarded as one of the most influential conductors of his era.
  • ★Arturo Pérez-Reverte (1951–present)
    Spanish novelist born 1951.

If you like Arturo…

Augusto— shares the grand, Latin-heritage sound popular in Spanish-speaking communities
Rodrigo— fellow classic Spanish name with strong literary and historical roots
Mauricio— similarly distinguished Romance name used across Latin America
Marco— shares the bold, classic feel with broad cross-cultural appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Arturo mean?

Arturo is the Spanish and Italian form of Arthur, likely derived from the Celtic root for 'bear' or from the Latin family name Artorius. It is associated with the legendary King Arthur.

How do you pronounce Arturo?

Arturo is pronounced ar-TOO-roh /arˈtu.ro/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Arturo a boy or girl name?

Arturo is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Arturo?

Arturo has been a consistent top-500 name in the U.S. for decades, particularly popular in Spanish-speaking communities.