Name Arthur

Arthur is a masculine name with Welsh, Celtic origins. It is considered a ubiquitous name that has experienced moderate growth in popularity recently.

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Meaning of the name Arthur

Origins and Core Meaning

The name Arthur, stemming from the Celtic element "art", signifies "bear" or "noble". In Welsh, the name bears the meaning "a strong man", further emphasizing its connotation with strength and courage. Historically, Arthur's association with the legendary King Arthur has imbued it with an aura of chivalry, honor, and unwavering determination.

Detailed Insights on Arthur

Origins

Celtic (Arth): Meaning "bear" or "noble" - Welsh (Arthur): Meaning "strong man".

Symbolic Representation

The bear, a symbol of strength, courage, and protection, is a fitting representation of the name Arthur. Throughout history, the bear has been associated with leaders, warriors, and those possessing great physical and mental fortitude. The name Arthur, therefore, carries with it an aura of authority, bravery, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Personality Traits

The name Arthur evokes a sense of dignity, strength, and unwavering determination. It carries with it the spirit of a warrior, yet tempered by a touch of nobility. The name inspires feelings of respect, admiration, and perhaps even a hint of awe.

Key Personality Traits

Personal Meanings of the Name Arthur

  • Bear in mind that the Arthurian romances are pure Medieval fiction. A great deal of effort has been made to make the name fit various British or Latin roots, when in fact the earliest bearers were Anglo-Saxon speakers, and we can trace development of the name through documents, from Arnthor (arn, an erne or eagle + Thor, thunder) to Arthur, in reference to the same man, a monk in the time of Athelred II. Then we have Arthur, another monk during William I, Arthor, a bondsman of Aelfric bishop of (Anglo-Danish) York in 1023. While some early "British" kings bore Germanic names (such as Theodoric son of Theodobald, kings of Gwent and Gywysing—Saxons and other Germans served in the Roman army in Britain) and conversely most "Saxon" kings at first had British names (Caradoc, Ceaulin, Cynric, Pybba, Penda, Cadwalla etc.), "Arthur" turns up late, with the arrival of Danish influence in the Northeast and the introduction of -thor and -thur (the Saxon form) as the second element in the typical dithematic names of the period.

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  • Another theory about the name's origin is that it is linked to Arcturus, the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, near Ursa Major or the Great Bear. Classical Latin Arcturus would have become Art(h)ur when borrowed into Welsh, and its brightness and position in the sky led people to regard it as the "guardian of the bear" (which is the meaning of the name in Ancient Greek) and the "leader" of the other stars in Boötes.
    You may take this theory with as many grains of salt as you wish, but it certainly gives this fascinating name yet another layer of meaning. I do like the idea that the "bear man" is from the stars and the Great Bear in the sky.

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  • Once, some years ago, while researching my first name in the library of my university I found a possible meaning for Arthur in an old text. Recently I ran into a website that had a similar meaning. If I remember correctly the text said "Someone who is guided by Thor; In Thor's Favor" the website said "A Follower Of Thor". I know not the veracity of this, but in that old text it mentioned similarities between both personages (regrettably I have no recollection of it's title other that it was about Arthurian Legends).

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Arthur Overview & Analysis

Gender statistics

Arthur is predominantly a boy's name with a strong masculine identity. Among 538,869 people named Arthur, 538,292 are male and 577 are female resulting in a 99.9% male distribution. This pronounced gender imbalance underscores the name Arthur's strong masculine identity.

Data Explanation

This data is sourced from actual birth records, ensuring that the statistics provided are accurate reflections of real naming trends. The percentage has been rounded up for easier readability, but the underlying figures are grounded in factual data, not estimates. This ensures that the information is both reliable and user-friendly, giving a clear and truthful picture of the name Arthur's gender association.

Popularity

Arthur classified as an ubiquitous name and ranks 128 in the Namedary database. It has experienced moderate growth over the years, and experienced moderate growth recently. The chance of meeting someone named Arthur is nearly 0.15%, or about one in 600+ people.

Popularity and Usage Trends for Arthur

Based on the latest data from 2021 (2,215), 2022 (2,901), 2023 (3,090), Arthur's year-to-year percentage change in popularity is 6.51%. The name Arthur was most popular in 1921, making up 0.49% of baby names (or about one in 200+ babies), and reached its lowest point in 2010 with a usage rate of 0.03%.

Country-Specific Prevalence
Arthur Popularity by Country
FlagCountryRankPopularity
New Zealand580.29%
United Kingdom1250.17%
United States1270.15%
Canada1950.1%
Australia4070.05%

People named Arthur are predominantly found in New Zealand (NZ), where it constitutes 0.29% of the total population.

Data Source

The data in this section was gathered from a variety of sources, including:

To enhance readability, percentages are rounded up. Values less than 0.0015% have been omitted.

Additional Information on Arthur

Pronunciation and Phonetics

Name
Arthur
Pronunciation
  • ahr-ther
  • Ar-thur
  • AHR-thuhr
  • AH-r-th-er
  • Ar-thur
IPA Notation
ɑˈɹθɚ
Syllable
Chinese Translation of the Name Arthur
Translation
阿蒂尔
Pronunce
(PinYin) : ā dì ěr
Feng Shui
EarthWoodFire
Arthur in Numerology
Arthur: Name to Numerology Conversion
ARTHUR
13
9289

Applying the rules of numerology (Pythagorean numerology):

Arthur's Soul Number (Heart's Desire Number): Number 4

  • You actively and honestly explore, learn, and share knowledge with others.
  • You strive to bring stability, organization, and order to your family, workplace, and community.
  • You desire financial, emotional, and physical stability to lead a safe and secure life.

Arthur's Expression Number (Personality Number): Number 10

  • You exude a heightened sense of humor; slightly lighthearted, yet serious.
  • Avoid misplaced jokes and superficial banter.
  • Adapt to diverse life scenarios.
  • Strive for greater resolve to fulfill life's commitments, maintaining a balance between seriousness and lightheartedness.

Arthur's Destiny Number (Life Path Number): Number 5

  • You are carefree, adventurous, progressive, enthusiastic, and adventurous. You embrace change and new experiences.
  • You are an exceptional communicator and can leverage your skills to forge new friendships through shared experiences.
  • You enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and immersing yourself in diverse cultures.
Famous People Named Arthur
  • King Arthur: Legendary British king renowned for his chivalry and leadership
  • Arthur Conan Doyle: Author of the iconic Sherlock Holmes mysteries
  • Arthur Miller: Celebrated American playwright known for "Death of a Salesman"
  • Arthur C. Clarke: Pioneer of science fiction literature and author of "2001: A Space Odyssey"
  • Arthur Ashe: Tennis champion and advocate for social justice

User-Submitted Information about Arthur

Conclusion

The name Arthur embodies a harmonious blend of strength, nobility, and a touch of mystery. Its historical associations with legendary figures and its symbolic connection to the bear render it a timeless choice for those seeking a name that conveys both power and a higher purpose.

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