Arthur is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old French name Arthurus, which is itself a derivation of the Germanic name Artuir. This name was borne by the legendary British king Arthur, whose story was first recorded in Welsh poetry and chronicles before being popularized by the 12th-century French writer Chrétien de Troyes.
The name Arthur gained significant popularity during the Victorian era in England, likely due to its association with the romanticized tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It has since remained a popular choice among parents for their sons, with notable bearers including British author Arthur Conan Doyle, American president Chester A. Arthur, and Australian actor Arthur Wellesley "Arthur" Upfield.
In terms of pronunciation, Arthur is typically pronounced /ˈɑːθər/ in British English and /ˈɑːrθər/ in American English. It consists of two syllables: Ar-thur.
The name Arthur has also inspired various titles and works throughout history. The Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry founded by King Edward III in the 14th century, uses Arthur as one of its mottoes. Additionally, the name is featured prominently in literary works such as T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" and Mark Twain's "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court."
Overall, Arthur is a classic and time-honored given name with a rich history that continues to be celebrated by those who bear it today.
The name Arthur experienced peaks in popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s with notable highs of 15 births in 1932 and consistently higher numbers from 1927 to 1936, but it has generally been less favored in recent decades with only 5 births reported in both 1989 and 1990.