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.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
MacArthur Rose
Floral · soft ending
MacArthur Mae
Sweet · timeless
MacArthur Claire
French influence · crisp
MacArthur Jane
Literary · strong
MacArthur Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is MacArthur right now?
Falling — down 706 spots — currently #9425 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
MacArthur by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like MacArthur?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love MacArthur also consider these
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.