Arcturus

Guardian of the Bear — Associated with the constellation Ursa Major
Greek origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#12379US 2023
5Births / yr
Falling
Top 9.1%Percentile
How to pronounce Arcturus
ah·RKTER·us
/ˌɑ.ˈrktɝ.əs/ · stress on RKTER · 3 syllables
Guardian of the Bear
Associated with the constellation Ursa Major · Greek origin

What does Arcturus mean and where does it come from?

Arcturus is derived from the Greek 'Arktouros', meaning 'Guardian of the Bear', as it is associated with the constellation Ursa Major. It is the fourth brightest star in the night sky and has been recognized since ancient times. The name reflects astronomical significance and was used in various cul

Cultural significance
Arcturus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of guardian of the bear.
Peak popularity
Reached #9782 in 2021 — currently #12379 in the US.
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What middle names flow best with Arcturus?

Arcturus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Arcturus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arcturus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arcturus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Arcturus Claire
French influence · crisp
Arcturus Jane
Literary · strong
Arcturus Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Arcturus
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How popular is Arcturus right now?

Falling — down 2475 spots — currently #12379 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#12379 · Top 9.1%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#123795▼ down 2475 · -29% births
2022#99047▼ down 122
2021#97827
💎Arcturus is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Arcturus?

Common
ArcUrus

Famous people named Arcturus

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Arcturus (modern Greek athlete)
Arcturus brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
A(
Arcturus (ancient philosopher)
Arcturus bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
A(
Arcturus (Greek mythological figure)
Arcturus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
A(
Arcturus (Byzantine leader)
Arcturus used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Common questions about the name Arcturus

What does the name Arcturus mean?
Arcturus means "Guardian of the Bear" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Arcturus?
Arcturus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Arcturus?
Arcturus originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Arcturus?
Arcturus is a three-syllable name pronounced AA2 R K T ER1 AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Arcturus?
Arcturus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.