Arthur
Arthur is a boy's name of Celtic origin.
Meaning
Bear-king or noble.
Origin and history
Arthur is a classic masculine name derived from Celtic roots, long associated with the legendary King Arthur. It was extremely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has experienced a notable revival in recent years. In the United States, it remains a timeless, traditional choice with deep historical resonance.
Popularity in the United States
548,729 babies in the United States have been named Arthur since 1880. It ranks #62 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #129.
States where it is most popular
- NY (12.1 %)
- CA (7.5 %)
- PA (5.7 %)
- IL (5.5 %)
- MA (5.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 16,180 |
| 1890-1900 | 16,349 |
| 1900-1910 | 15,409 |
| 1910-1920 | 67,478 |
| 1920-1930 | 97,112 |
| 1930-1940 | 67,730 |
| 1940-1950 | 73,968 |
| 1950-1960 | 65,716 |
| 1960-1970 | 39,622 |
| 1970-1980 | 22,100 |
| 1980-1990 | 16,794 |
| 1990-2000 | 11,783 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,342 |
| 2010-2019 | 12,627 |
| 2020-2029 | 17,519 |
Famous people named Arthur
- Arthur Conan Doyle: Author, Physician
- Arthur Ashe: Tennis Player, Activist
- Arthur Miller: Playwright, Essayist
Nicknames
Art, Artie
Fun facts
- The name was popularized throughout Europe via stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
- Arthur spent over six decades in the top 50 masculine names in the United States between 1880 and 1950.