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Arthur
Fact sheet
- Name
- Arthur
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 2
The origin and meaning of the name Arthur are not definitively clarified. The name is usually derived from the Old Celtic artos for 'bear'.
What does the name Arthur mean?
The origin and meaning of the name Arthur are not definitively clarified. The name is usually derived from the Old Celtic artos for 'bear'. In a broader sense, the word also stands for 'warrior'. Therefore, Arthur is often translated as 'the strong bear'. Other possible derivations and meanings include: derived from the Celtic (bear) deity Artaius; derived from the Old Irish word art for 'stone'; derived from Artōrius, an ancient Roman family name; derived from the North Germanic Arnthor, whose syllables mean 'eagle' and 'Thor' (Norse god); possibly simply a derivation of the Latin word artus for 'firm, tight'. The name is especially known through the 'Arthurian legend', a medieval saga about King Arthur (Welsh: Arthur) from British mythology. The first name has been known since the Middle Ages, although until the late Middle Ages it was used without the 'h' in the name. The first name Arthur was particularly popular in the 19th century. However, it is still given in many countries today and can be considered timeless. In Germany, the two variants Arthur and Artur are common, with Arthur being slightly more frequent. In English, French, and Dutch-speaking regions, only the variant Arthur is common, while in Portuguese, Polish, and Hungarian regions, only the variant Artur is used. Other variants include Artorius, Arturs, Arturas, Arturo, Artus, Arthuras, Arthurus, and Arthus.
Where does the name Arthur come from?
Etymology The name Arthur is derived from the Old Celtic 'artos' for 'the bear, the strong bear'. It may also be derived from the North Germanic 'Arnthor' for 'eagle' and 'Thor'. Old Welsh Celtic
How do you pronounce Arthur?
Sound & pronunciation of Arthur: The name Arthur is two to three syllables and phonetically striking. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ar-thur' [ˈaʁtuːɐ̯], starting with an open 'A' that gains depth from the rolled or trilled 'r'. The long 'u' in the second syllable gives the name fullness of sound. Arthur appears noble and powerful - tradition-conscious, self-assured, and present.
When is the name day of Arthur?
Arthur celebrates his name day on November 1 (Arthur O'Neilly, missionary from Ireland), November 15 (Arthur Whiting, abbot and martyr of the Reformation period in England), and December 11 (Arthur Bell, Franciscan friar and martyr of the Reformation period).
Popularity
In Germany, the male first name Arthur was already among the top group in the late 19th century, usually ranking between the top 20 and top 40. In 1894, it reached a particularly strong position at number 13. It remained consistently in the top 30 until the 1910s and was considered one of the established classics. In the first half of the 20th century, the name predominantly stayed within the top 50 to top 100.
Nicknames & pet names
Adur / Arc / Arcci / Arhur / Art / Artchen / Arthi / Arthie / Arthuro / Arthurteltäubchen / Arthürchen / Arti / Artie / ArtiParty / Artschi / Artu / Arturito / Arturius / Arturka / Arturschik / Ati / Attu / Atze / Bthur / Cthur / Huri / Hürchen / Thour / Thur / Thuri / Turi
Similar first names
Famous people
- Arthur (character) (main character from the film Arthur and the Invisibles)
- Arthur Abraham (boxer)
- Arthur Adalbert Chase (British cyclist)
- Arthur Antunes Coimbra Junior (footballer from Brazil)
- Arthur Ashe (tennis player and namesake of the largest tennis stadium in Flushing Meadows)
- Arthur Ashkin (American physicist)
- Arthur Batut (French photographer)
- Arthur Brauss (German actor)
- Arthur Buttman (character from the anime Lady)
- Arthur Cayley (English mathematician)
- Arthur Charles Hervey (British bishop)
- Arthur de Cabooter (Belgian cyclist)
- Arthur Forster (British racing driver)
- Arthur Garfunkel (singer)
- Arthur Heatley (cricketer from England)
- Arthur Humbles (English cyclist)
- Arthur Isaac (Pakistani footballer)
- Arthur Kennedy (American actor)
- Arthur Kirkland (anime character from Hetalia)
- Arthur Leclerc (Formula 3 racing driver)
Frequently asked questions about the name Arthur
What does the name Arthur mean?
The name Arthur is usually derived from the Old Celtic 'artos' for 'bear' and also stands for 'warrior' in a broader sense. Another possible meaning is 'the strong bear'.
Is Arthur a boy's name?
Yes, Arthur is a traditional boy's name that is common in many countries, including Germany, England, and France.
What nicknames are there for Arthur?
Many affectionate nicknames are common for the name Arthur, including Art, Artie, Arti, Arhur, and Arthie. These provide a nice variation in everyday life.
How is Arthur pronounced?
Arthur is generally pronounced as 'Ar-thur', with the 'th' sounding soft. In other languages, the pronunciation may vary slightly.