Arthur is a name of British origin, derived from the Germanic elements "arth" meaning "bear" and "rîh" meaning "power". The name Arthur has been popular throughout history, particularly in Britain where it was first introduced by the Celts.
The most famous bearer of the name Arthur is King Arthur, the legendary ruler of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. According to medieval literature, King Arthur was a brave and wise king who united Britain during the Dark Ages. The stories of his exploits and those of his knights, including Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain, have captivated audiences for centuries.
The name Arthur gained further popularity in England with the rise of the Tudor dynasty in the 15th century. King Henry VII named his first son Arthur, and he was known as Arthur, Prince of Wales until his death at age 15. Since then, the name Arthur has been associated with royalty and has remained a popular choice for parents naming their sons.
Today, the name Arthur continues to be popular around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is often shortened to Art or Artur, depending on the region. Despite its popularity, Arthur remains a timeless and classic name that evokes images of bravery, wisdom, and royalty.
These statistics show that the name Arthur experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over time. The name reached its peak in popularity during World War I, with 122 births recorded in 1922 and 132 in 1923, suggesting that parents may have been drawn to the name due to its association with strength and courage. However, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, the popularity of the name Arthur had declined significantly, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year between 1946 and 1953. Since then, the name has remained relatively steady but low in popularity, with around 5 to 10 births per year from the 1980s onwards.