Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Arthur
BoyWelsh, Latin· “uncertain; possibly 'bear'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'bear' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh, Latin
- Pronunciation
- AHR-thur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #87
- US babies 2025
- 3,847
- Best rank
- #14 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Arthur
Arthur is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'bear'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Latin roots.
Arthur is famous as the name of the legendary king of Britain who led the Knights of the Round Table. Its origin is uncertain: some connect it to a Celtic word for bear, while others see it as coming from the Roman family name Artorius. Medieval romances by writers such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Thomas Malory spread the legend across Europe. Real royals have also borne the name, including Prince Arthur, elder brother of Henry VIII. Arthur has returned to favor as a classic with a gentle strength. Art and Artie are friendly nicknames.
Popularity over time
Arthur has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #14 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 10,527 were named Arthur. In 2025, 3,847 babies were named Arthur, and it ranked #87 nationally. That is 208% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #18 in 1920, #46 in 1950, #147 in 1980, #316 in 2000, #388 in 2010, and #87 in 2025. Of the 548,729 US boys named Arthur since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 73,968 babies. Since 2010, 30,146 more have been named Arthur.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Albert, Ralph, Warren, Howard, and Clarence.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arthur ranked highest in Vermont, District of Columbia, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #21 | 14 |
| District of Columbia | #26 | 22 |
| Washington | #34 | 154 |
| Maine | #35 | 28 |
| Montana | #38 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Arthur is usually pronounced AHR-thur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ur”.
Middle names for Arthur
A few middle names that flow with Arthur: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arthur
Similar names
Owen Boy
OH-uhn
“possibly well born” · Welsh
#31
Christian Boy
KRIHS-chuhn
“follower of Christ” · Latin
#96
Merlin Unisex
MUR-lihn
“from Welsh Myrddin, possibly sea fort” · Welsh
#2,343
Tristan Boy
TRIS-tihn
“uncertain; from Celtic Drust” · French
#309
Victor Boy
VIHK-tur
“conqueror” · Latin
#211
Dylan Boy
DIH-luhn
“son of the sea” · Welsh
#41
Sebastian Boy
suh-BAS-chuhn
“from Sebaste; venerable” · Latin
#16
Silas Boy
SY-luhs
“of the forest” · Latin
#71
August Boy
AW-guhst
“venerable, great” · Latin
#81
Julius Boy
JOOL-yuhs
“Roman family name; often said youthful” · Latin
#424
Francis Boy
FRAN-suhs
“Frenchman” · Latin
#420
Cecil Boy
SEE-suhl
“blind” · Latin
#1,486
Lists that include Arthur
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arthur mean?
Arthur is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'bear'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Arthur?
Arthur has Welsh and Latin roots. Arthur is famous as the name of the legendary king of Britain who led the Knights of the Round Table.
Is Arthur a popular name?
Yes. Arthur ranked #87 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Arthur a boy or girl name?
Arthur is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Arthur?
Arthur is usually pronounced AHR-thur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings