Arthur
Bear, noble, courageous — a boy name of Celtic/Welsh origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Arthur
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.
Arthur 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Arthur
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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.
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