Arthur
Arthur is a boy name of Celtic/Welsh origin meaning “Bear, noble, courageous”, pronounced AR-thur. It ranked #87 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,847 babies, and peaked at #14 in 1880. Common nicknames: Art, Artie.
How popular is Arthur in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Arthur mean, and where does it come from?
Arthur's origins remain a matter of scholarly debate, with theories pointing either to the Celtic word artos, meaning "bear," or to the Roman family name Artorius, from which the legendary King Arthur of Camelot may have taken his name. That legendary king, along with his Knights of the Round Table, gave the name centuries of chivalric romance and enduring literary prestige across Britain and Europe. After falling out of common use for much of the 20th century, Arthur has enjoyed a strong revival in Britain, France, and increasingly the United States, prized for its vintage regality.
How is Arthur used around the world?
Arthur is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 13+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Arthur?
Famous People Named Arthur
- Arthur Conan Doyle — Scottish author of the Sherlock Holmes stories
- Arthur Ashe — American tennis champion and civil rights advocate
Similar Names to Arthur
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Sibling Name Ideas for Arthur
Looking for names that pair well with Arthur? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Arthur mean?
Arthur is a boy name of Celtic/Welsh origin meaning "Bear, noble, courageous." Arthur's origins remain a matter of scholarly debate, with theories pointing either to the Celtic word artos, meaning "bear," or to the Roman family name Artorius, from which the legendary King Arthur of Camelot may have taken his name. That legendary king, along with his Knights of the Round Table, gave the name centuries of chivalric romance and enduring literary prestige across Britain and Europe.
How do you pronounce Arthur?
Arthur is pronounced AR-thur. Common variations include Artur, Arturo, Artair.
Is Arthur a boy name?
Yes, Arthur is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Art, Artie.