What does Arthur mean and where does it come from?
Originally, Arthur is derived from the Welsh name 'Arturus,' which is believed to come from a Latin phrase meaning 'bear king.' The name Arthur has been primarily male but has also been used as a female name in certain contexts. Arthur is most famously associated with the legendary King Arthur of Br
Cultural significance
Arthur has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #726 in 1885 — currently #130 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Arthur?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Arthur?
Arthur works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arthur Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arthur Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arthur Mae
Sweet · timeless
Arthur Claire
French influence · crisp
Arthur Jane
Literary · strong
Arthur Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Arthur right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #130 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #130 | 2,830 | ▲ up 10 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #140 | 2,689 | ▲ up 15 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #155 | 2,475 | ▲ up 9099 · +30838% births |
| 1990 | #9254 | 8 | ▼ down 4793 · -53% births |
| 1985 | #4461 | 17 | ▼ down 305 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #4156 | 18 | ▼ down 994 · -18% births |
| 1975 | #3162 | 22 | ▼ down 707 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #2455 | 30 | ▼ down 454 · -12% births |
| 1965 | #2001 | 34 | ▲ up 102 · +13% births |
| 1960 | #2103 | 30 | ▼ down 295 · -12% births |
| 1955 | #1808 | 34 | ▲ up 152 · +42% births |
| 1950 | #1960 | 24 | ▼ down 537 · -25% births |
| 1945 | #1423 | 32 | ▼ down 251 · -18% births |
| 1940 | #1172 | 39 | ▼ down 112 · -9% births |
| 1935 | #1060 | 43 | — |
The story of Arthur
Arthur has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Over 537K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #843 in 1880 to #130 in 2023. Arthur is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Arthur in 1885:
Arthur by decade
Arthur peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 16,246 | |
| 1890s | 16,431 | |
| 1900s | 15,504 | |
| 1910s | 67,811 | |
| 1920s ★ | 97,824 | |
| 1930s | 68,259 | |
| 1940s | 74,321 | |
| 1950s | 66,019 | |
| 1960s | 39,905 | |
| 1970s | 22,313 | |
| 1980s | 16,944 | |
| 1990s | 11,815 | |
| 2000s | 8,339 | |
| 2010s | 12,584 | |
| 2020s | 2,319 | |
What are good nicknames for Arthur?
What names sound and feel like Arthur?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arthur also consider these
How is Arthur written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Arthur
What does the name Arthur mean?
Arthur means "Welsh" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Arthur?
Arthur is currently ranked #130 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arthur have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arthur?
Arthur originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Arthur?
Arthur is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 R TH AO1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Arthur trending right now?
Arthur is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.