Arthur is a name of British origin that has been popular throughout history. It is derived from the Old German elements "arth" meaning "bear", and "rîh" which means "strong, mighty". Therefore, Arthur can be interpreted as "strong as a bear".
The name Arthur first gained prominence through the legendary King Arthur of the Knights of the Round Table. According to medieval legend, Arthur was a brave and wise king who led his knights in battles against invading Saxons. The story of King Arthur is one of the most famous tales from British history and has been retold countless times in literature and art.
In addition to its literary significance, the name Arthur has been popular among royalty throughout history. King Arthur I of England ruled from 539 to 560 AD, while King Arthur II of Scotland reigned from 581 to 607 AD. More recently, Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, was born with the name Arthur as one of his given names.
Today, Arthur remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet strong-sounding name for their sons. It has been consistently ranked among the top 1,000 boy's names in the United States since the early 20th century. Despite its long history and widespread use, Arthur continues to evoke images of courage, wisdom, and nobility, reflecting the qualities associated with the legendary King Arthur.
The name Arth experienced a notable increase in popularity over time, with birth numbers more than tripling from 6 in the late 90s to a peak of 20 in both 2022 and 2023. The highest birth years were concentrated in the late 2010s and early 2020s, with an average of around 15 births per year during this period.