Boy
Celtic / Latin
2 syllables
Arthur
AR-thur
/ˈɑːr.θər/
"The bear king" — legendary, noble, and enduring across fifteen centuries
Arthur is one of the most storied names in Western mythology. Its origins are debated — likely from a Celtic root meaning bear (artos) or from the Latin Artorius. The legendary King Arthur of Britain, who gathered knights at the Round Table and searched for the Holy Grail, has kept this name alive for over a thousand years. After decades of decline, Arthur is enjoying a strong revival as parents rediscover its noble, vintage charm.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesAr · thur
GenderBoy
OriginCeltic / Latin
Root WordArtorius
MeaningBear, noble one
PopularityCommon
Peak Year1920
Trend
↑ Rising
Name DayNovember 1
Nicknames
ArtArtie
About the Name Arthur
Arthur likely means bear from the Celtic artos, or possibly derives from the Latin family name Artorius. The bear meaning connects to the constellation Ursa Major, which the name may reference.
Arthur is experiencing a strong revival. After decades outside the top 200 in the US, it has been climbing and is extremely popular in France and the UK, where it has reached the top 10.
Most historians believe a real historical figure named Arthur or similar may have led British forces against Anglo-Saxon invaders around 500 AD, but the legendary King Arthur of the Round Table is largely mythological.
Arthur James, Arthur Henry, Arthur George, and Arthur William are all classic and naturally dignified combinations.
Arthurs are often described as noble, dependable, and quietly strong — entirely fitting for a name associated with legendary kingship.
Arthur is used in France (where it is currently one of the top boy's names) but its origins are British-Celtic. The French pronounce it ar-TOOR.
Personality of Arthur
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Arthur
Creativity
76%
Elegance
84%
Independence
82%
Intelligence
86%
Strength
88%
Warmth
78%
Famous People Named Arthur
K
King Arthur
Legendary British king of the Round Table, central figure in Arthurian legend
A
Arthur Conan Doyle
British author who created Sherlock Holmes
P
Prince Arthur, Duke of Sussex
The historical model for several Arthurian legends; Queen Victoria's son was also named Arthur
Middle Names for Arthur
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Arthur
Arthur James
Arthur Henry
Arthur George
Arthur William
Arthur Thomas
Arthur John
Arthur Edmund
Arthur Frederick
Arthur Charles
Arthur Oliver
Names Similar to Arthur
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Arthur
500 AD
A historical figure called Arthur possibly fights against Saxon invaders in Britain
1136
Geoffrey of Monmouth writes Historia Regum Britanniae, establishing King Arthur's legend
1485
Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur becomes the definitive Arthurian narrative in English
1859
Arthur reaches peak popularity in Victorian England; named after Prince Arthur, Victoria's son
Numerology & Symbolism of Arthur
5
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
4
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Capricorn
8
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Midnight Blue
💎
Lucky Stone
Sapphire
🌸
Lucky Flower
Thistle
Arthur Around the World
How Arthur is written in different languages and scripts
آرثر
Arabic
アーサー
Japanese
Артур
Russian
아서
Korean
亚瑟
Chinese
Άρθουρ
Greek
आर्थर
Hindi
אַרְתּוּר
Hebrew
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