MacArthur

“Son of Arthur”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9425US 2023

8Births / yr

↓Falling

1.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 194100.01% of births at peak

What does MacArthur mean and where does it come from?

The name MacArthur is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'MacArtair', which means 'son of Arthur'. The name has historical significance, particularly in Scotland where the Clan MacArthur is well known. General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent figure in World War II, which contributed to th

Cultural significance

MacArthur has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of arthur.

Peak popularity

Reached #517 in 1942 — currently #9425 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with MacArthur?

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

MacArthur Grace

How popular is MacArthur right now?

Falling — down 706 spots — currently #9425 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#9425 · Top 7.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9425	8	▼ down 706 · -11% births
2022	#8719	9	▼ down 793 · -10% births
2021	#7926	10	▼ down 2697 · -41% births
2020	#5229	17	▲ up 810 · +21% births
2015	#6039	14	▲ up 1121 · +27% births
2010	#7160	11	▲ up 2138 · +57% births
2005	#9298	7	▼ down 2336 · -22% births
2000	#6962	9	▲ up 1061 · +50% births
1995	#8023	6	▼ down 2516 · -33% births
1990	#5507	9	▲ up 490 · +50% births
1985	#5997	6	▼ down 3322 · -67% births
1980	#2675	18	▲ up 163 · +29% births
1975	#2838	14	▼ down 360 · -7% births
1970	#2478	15	▼ down 31 · +25% births
1965	#2447	12	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for MacArthur

Best Year1945Rank #1121

Peak Count35

Average Rank#5229

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1945 - 202319 years

The story of MacArthur

MacArthur entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. With 1,251 total births recorded, MacArthur remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1121 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9425 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside MacArthur in 1942:

James Robert John William Richard

MacArthur by decade

MacArthur peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1940s ★	357
1950s	131
1960s	148
1970s	151
1980s	110
1990s	110
2000s	98
2010s	129
2020s	17

💎With 1,251 total births, MacArthur is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for MacArthur?

Common

MacMacieMacyArthur

What names sound and feel like MacArthur?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love MacArthur also consider these

McArthur

Scotland · son of Arthur

Macarther

Irish · Gaelic

McAuthur

Scotland · Son of Arthur

Thearthur

American · Courageous, bear-like

MacGyver

American · a surname meaning

Machenzie

American · Derived from ‘MacCoinnich’,

Maverick

American · independent, nonconformist

Maxxamus

American · greatest

Common questions about the name MacArthur

What does the name MacArthur mean?

MacArthur means "Son of Arthur" — a name rooted in American 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 MacArthur?

MacArthur 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 MacArthur?

MacArthur originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What sibling names go well with MacArthur?

MacArthur pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is MacArthur a common or rare name?

MacArthur is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.