Arthur is a male given name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "art" meaning "bear" and "harth" meaning "strong". The name Arthur was first popularized by the legendary King Arthur of British folklore. According to the tales, King Arthur was the ruler of Camelot who gathered a group of brave knights known as the Knights of the Round Table.
The most famous story about King Arthur is that he pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone, proving his worthiness to be the rightful king of England. This legendary tale has been retold in many different versions throughout history and has inspired numerous books, movies, and other forms of media.
The name Arthur became particularly popular during the Victorian era in England. It was also used by several notable figures throughout history, such as King Arthur III of Britain, who ruled from 539 to 560 AD, and Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who was a prominent military leader during the Napoleonic Wars.
Despite its Germanic origins, the name Arthur has been widely adopted in many different cultures around the world. Today, it is still considered a classic and prestigious name for boys. While some people may associate the name with the legendary King Arthur, others simply appreciate its strong and powerful meaning. Overall, the name Arthur is rich in history and tradition, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their son.
The name Arthur experienced peaks in popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s with notable highs of 15 births in 1932 and consistently higher numbers from 1927 to 1936, but it has generally been less favored in recent decades with only 5 births reported in both 1989 and 1990.