Arthur is a name of ancient British origin, derived from the Brythonic element "arth" meaning "bear". It was popularized by the legendary British king Arthur Pendragon, who according to medieval folklore and literature, led the Knights of the Round Table in the 5th or 6th century. The name Arthur became widely known throughout Europe during the Middle Ages due to the spread of the Arthurian legend.
Throughout history, Arthur has been associated with several notable figures beyond King Arthur himself. Arthur, Duke of Brittany (981-1002), was a Breton nobleman who played an important role in supporting his cousin, King Conan I of Brittany. Additionally, Arthur, Prince of Wales (1486-1502) was the son of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York.
The name Arthur has been used by many notable individuals over time, including authors like Arthur Conan Doyle, creators of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, and scientists such as Sir Arthur Eddington, a prominent astrophysicist known for his work on the theory of relativity. It is also the name shared by several royal figures, including Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850-1942), son of Queen Victoria.
In recent years, the name Arthur has seen a resurgence in popularity as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 boys' names in the United States since the 1980s. Today, Arthur is celebrated for its rich history and timeless elegance, making it an enduring choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their son.
In conclusion, the name Arthur is deeply rooted in British history and folklore, tracing back to the legendary King Arthur Pendragon. Throughout the centuries, numerous notable figures have carried this name, contributing to its lasting popularity and appeal as a given name today. With its strong association with bravery, leadership, and wisdom, Arthur continues to captivate parents and stand as a timeless symbol of elegance and strength.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Arthur has had varying levels of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Arthur fluctuated between five to ten each year. The highest recorded birth count during this period was thirteen in 1912.
However, starting from the mid-1910s, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Arthur. The number of births rose to twenty-two in 1915 and reached a peak of forty-six in 1921. This trend continued throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, with birth counts ranging from twenty-eight to thirty-nine each year.
The popularity of the name Arthur began to decline after the 1930s, with birth counts dropping back down into the twenties and thirties. This trend continued through the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, with some notable spikes in popularity during this time.
From the mid-1960s onwards, the name Arthur became less popular again, with birth counts typically ranging from five to twenty each year. There were a few years where the number of births dropped below ten, such as eight births in 1987 and six births in 1986.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Arthur. Between 2006 and 2015, the birth count for the name Arthur ranged from seven to nineteen each year.
Overall, while the name Arthur has not consistently ranked among the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a steady level of popularity over time, with notable periods of increased usage during the early to mid-20th century.