Arthur is a name of British origin, derived from the Old English given name Æþelrād, which is composed of two elements: æþel meaning "noble" or "illustrious", and rād meaning "council" or "advice". Thus, Arthur means "noble council" or "illustrious advice".
The name Arthur has been popular throughout history, particularly in the British Isles. One of the most notable figures named Arthur was King Arthur, the legendary ruler of Camelot whose stories have been passed down through generations and retold in countless versions by various authors. Although his historicity is debated among scholars, the tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
In medieval times, Arthur became a popular name for royalty and nobility due to its association with the legendary king. It was also used as an affectionate form of the name Arturius in some European countries, such as Germany and Poland.
The name Arthur has seen fluctuations in popularity over time but remains quite common today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Arthur ranked #413 in popularity for boys' names in 2020. In England and Wales, it was among the top 50 most popular boy names between 2016 and 2020.
Overall, Arthur is an enduring name with a rich history that has been worn by notable figures throughout time. Its meaning, derived from Old English elements, adds to its appeal as a timeless choice for parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Arthur in the United States:
* The name Arthur experienced its peak popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s, with a total of 11 births each year in both 1947 and 1948.
* It saw steady growth throughout the early to mid-20th century, with an average of around 6 births per year between 1880 and 1930.
* The name Arthur had its most recent resurgence in popularity during the late 1950s to early 1960s, with a total of 12 births each year in both 1961 and 1962, and an average of around 8 births per year between 1954 and 1972.
* Interestingly, there were no recorded births named Arthur in the United States during several years throughout the late 20th century, including from 1973 to 1987, and again from 1994 to 2005. However, it made a comeback in recent years with 6 births each year in both 2006 and 2011.
* Overall, the name Arthur has been given to a total of 413 babies born in the United States since 1880.
While these statistics do not provide information about the meaning or origin of the name Arthur, they do offer insight into its popularity and trends over time. It's clear that while Arthur may not be one of the most popular names today, it has a rich history and has been beloved by parents throughout different eras.