Arthur is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements "arth" meaning "bear" and "rīc" meaning "power" or "king". Therefore, Arthur means "strong as a bear", which was considered a symbol of strength and courage in ancient Germanic cultures.
The name Arthur has been popular throughout history, particularly in the British Isles. It gained significant notoriety during the Middle Ages through the legendary figure King Arthur, who was said to have ruled over Camelot, a kingdom of knights and chivalry. The tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, as recounted by authors such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Thomas Malory, have inspired generations of people with their stories of bravery, honor, and loyalty.
In addition to its association with the legendary king, the name Arthur has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. One famous example is King Arthur himself, who, according to some accounts, was a real historical figure rather than purely mythical. Other notable Arthurs include Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), the British military leader and statesman; Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008), the renowned science fiction author and futurist; and Arthur Miller (1915-2005), the influential American playwright.
Today, Arthur remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their children a classic and timeless name with a strong historical foundation. Despite its long history, however, it never fails to evoke images of courage, strength, and nobility, making it an enduring favorite among many cultures around the world.
The name Arthur experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1880 and 1932, it was quite popular with over a thousand births each year, peaking at nearly 11,000 in 1914-1917 due to World War I. However, from 1933 onwards, its popularity began to decline steadily, dropping below 500 births per year by the late 1960s and continuing to decrease until it reached an all-time low of around 200 births annually in the mid-1970s. Despite this, Arthur has seen a resurgence since the late 1980s, with popularity steadily increasing over recent decades, reaching nearly 3,000 births in 2022.