Arthur is a name of Celtic origin, derived from the ancient Welsh name Artuir. This name is believed to have been first used by King Arthur's knights in Wales during the Middle Ages. The name Arthur itself means "bear" or "hero," and it has been associated with strength and bravery throughout history.
The most famous bearer of this name is undoubtedly King Arthur, the legendary British king who appears in various medieval tales and chronicles. According to these stories, Arthur was a warrior king who fought against invading Saxons and established a court at Camelot where he gathered his knights around the Round Table. The legend of King Arthur has captivated people's imaginations for centuries, and the name Arthur has become synonymous with heroism, courage, and chivalry.
Over time, the name Arthur has been used in various languages and cultures, but it remains a popular choice among English-speaking countries. It was particularly popular during the Victorian era in England, where it was often given to boys born into noble or wealthy families. Today, Arthur is still considered a classic and elegant name that evokes images of strength, wisdom, and heroism.
In literature, the name Arthur has been used by many notable authors, including Mark Twain, who named his protagonist in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" Hank Morgan. Other famous Arthurs include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Arthur Miller, the renowned playwright whose works include "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible."
Overall, the name Arthur is rich with history and meaning, and it has been associated with some of the most iconic figures in literature and mythology. Whether you're drawn to its Celtic origins or its connection to King Arthur's legendary court, choosing the name Arthur for your child is sure to evoke images of strength, wisdom, and heroism.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the popularity of the name Arthur over time in the United States.
From 1896 to 1954, there were noticeable fluctuations in the number of newborn boys named Arthur each year. The highest recorded birth years for the name Arthur during this period were 1923 with 21 births and 1927 with 20 births. Conversely, some years had fewer than ten Arthurs born, such as in 1896, 1952, 1953, and 1954.
Interestingly, there was a gap of nearly three decades between the last entry from this period (7 births in 1954) and the next recorded data point in 1981, which showed another 5 births. This suggests that the name Arthur's popularity waned somewhat during these years but did not completely disappear.
The trend continued with another five Arthurs born each year in both 2012 and 2022, followed by seven births in 2023. While these recent numbers are lower than the peaks observed earlier last century, they demonstrate that the name Arthur has maintained some level of popularity over time.
In total, from 1896 to 2023, there were 602 newborn boys named Arthur in the United States. These statistics highlight the enduring appeal of this name across generations while also revealing shifts in its popularity throughout history.