What Does the Name Arthur Mean?
Arthur's exact roots are debated, but the leading theory ties it to the Celtic word artos, 'bear,' possibly combined with a word for 'fresh' or 'pure' — read together as someone strong and formidable as a bear. Some scholars instead trace it to the Roman family name Artorius.
The Origin & History of Arthur
The name's earliest record appears in the 9th-century Welsh-Latin text Historia Brittonum, describing a Romano-British general who fought Saxon invaders — the historical kernel behind the later medieval legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Arthurian romance carried the name across Europe through the Middle Ages, and it saw a strong revival in 19th-century England.
Popularity in the United States
Arthur ranks around #87 among US boys' names in 2025, part of the broader revival of vintage early-1900s names alongside Theodore, Henry, and Charles.
Personality & Traits
Arthur tends to read as noble, steady, and a touch old-fashioned in the best sense — a name with the gravity of legend but the friendly nickname Artie to soften it.
Famous People Named Arthur
Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes and remains one of the most widely read authors in English. Arthur C. Clarke, the science-fiction writer behind 2001: A Space Odyssey, and philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer are other prominent bearers.
Nicknames & Variations
Artie and Art are the standard English nicknames. Arturo is the Spanish and Italian form, and the name is inseparable from its legendary namesake, King Arthur.