What does McArthur mean and where does it come from?
McArthur is a Scottish surname that translates to 'son of Arthur.' The name signifies lineage and heritage, being associated with the legendary King Arthur. It gained popularity as a given name in the United States, particularly in the 20th century. Notable individuals with the name include General
Cultural significance
McArthur has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of arthur.
Peak popularity
Reached #357 in 1942 — currently #13471 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell McArthur?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with McArthur?
McArthur works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
McArthur Grace
Most popular combo · classic
McArthur Rose
Floral · soft ending
McArthur Mae
Sweet · timeless
McArthur Claire
French influence · crisp
McArthur Jane
Literary · strong
McArthur Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is McArthur right now?
Falling — down 3923 spots — currently #13471 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13471 | 5 | ▼ down 3923 · -37% births |
| 2022 | #9548 | 8 | ▲ up 2613 · +60% births |
| 2015 | #12161 | 5 | ▼ down 1313 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #10848 | 6 | ▼ down 608 |
| 2005 | #10240 | 6 | ▼ down 2758 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #7482 | 8 | ▲ up 410 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #7892 | 6 | ▼ down 3680 · -54% births |
| 1990 | #4212 | 13 | ▼ down 1113 · -13% births |
| 1985 | #3099 | 15 | ▼ down 452 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #2647 | 18 | ▲ up 154 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #2801 | 14 | ▼ down 1200 · -52% births |
| 1970 | #1601 | 29 | ▼ down 339 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #1262 | 37 | ▲ up 413 · +54% births |
| 1960 | #1675 | 24 | ▼ down 261 · -20% births |
| 1955 | #1414 | 30 | — |
The story of McArthur
McArthur entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 2,261 total births recorded, McArthur remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2590 in 1940, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13471 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside McArthur in 1942:
McArthur by decade
McArthur peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 13 | |
| 1930s | 19 | |
| 1940s ★ | 979 | |
| 1950s | 365 | |
| 1960s | 323 | |
| 1970s | 216 | |
| 1980s | 156 | |
| 1990s | 96 | |
| 2000s | 56 | |
| 2010s | 38 | |
💎With 2,261 total births, McArthur is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for McArthur?
What names sound and feel like McArthur?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McArthur also consider these
Common questions about the name McArthur
What does the name McArthur mean?
McArthur means "son of Arthur" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 McArthur?
McArthur 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 McArthur?
McArthur originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 McArthur?
McArthur is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K AA1 R TH ER0. 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 McArthur?
McArthur pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.