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Arcturus

♂ Boy

Pronounced ark-TOOR-us /ɑrkˈtʊr.əs/Medium

Meaning: Arcturus is the name of the brightest star in the constellation Bootes, from Greek 'Arktouros,' 'guardian of the bear' ('arktos' bear + 'ouros' guardian), for its position near the Great Bear. As a given name it draws on this star, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: Arcturus is the bright star meaning 'guardian of the bear' (said 'ark-TOOR-us'). A celestial, mythic pick — we note the star.

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Origin MediumLatin, Greek

MeaningArcturus is the name of the brightest star in the constellation Bootes, from Greek 'Arktouros,' 'guardian of the bear' ('arktos' bear + 'ouros' guardian), for its position near the Great Bear. As a given name it draws on this star, which we note.

U.S. rank (2025)#10793 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 31

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Arcturus is the brightest star in Bootes, from Greek 'Arktouros,' 'guardian of the bear.' As a given name it reads as a bold celestial choice; we note its origin as a star (said 'ark-TOOR-us').

In the U.S. it is rare and reads as a striking astronomical pick. Rare, celestial, and mythic.

Did you know? Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the sky, means 'guardian of the bear' — 'arktos' (bear) plus 'ouros' (guardian) — for its watch near the Great Bear (said 'ark-TOOR-us').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Arcturus — Star in Bootes; Greek 'guardian of the bear'

Variations

ArktourosArcturo

Nicknames

ArcTurus

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arcturus…

Aureus— a fellow Latin celestial-toned name

Artemas— another Greek-rooted classic

Artorias— a like grand, storied pick

Auric— a like radiant word-name

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By themelatin greek celestial mythic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Arcturus mean?

Arcturus means 'guardian of the bear,' from Greek 'arktos' (bear) and 'ouros' (guardian); it is a bright star, which we note.

How do you pronounce Arcturus?

It's said ark-TOOR-us /ɑrkˈtʊr.əs/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Arcturus a boy or girl name?

Arcturus is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Arcturus?

Arcturus is a rare, celestial name in the U.S.