Macarthur is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "MacArthuir," which translates to "son of Arthur." The name Arthur itself has legendary roots, being associated with the mythical British king King Arthur. Therefore, Macarthur can be interpreted as "son of Arthur" or "like Arthur."
The surname Macarthur is believed to have originated in Scotland's Highlands, particularly in the region around Inverness. It was borne by a sept of Clan Chattan, one of the largest and most powerful Highland clans. The clan's history dates back to the 13th century, with its name meaning "the clan of the cat," symbolizing strength, agility, and independence.
The given name Macarthur has not been as widely used as the surname, but it has been present in various forms throughout history. One notable figure is General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), a prominent American military leader during World War I and II. Despite his illustrious career, he was named after his grandfather, Arthur MacArthur Jr., who also served in the U.S. Army.
Macarthur is not typically associated with any specific personality traits or characteristics beyond those associated with its legendary namesake, King Arthur. However, as a son of Arthur, one might infer that individuals named Macarthur could embody qualities such as bravery, wisdom, and leadership – values often attributed to the mythical king.
In recent times, Macarthur has been used more frequently as a given name, perhaps due to its unique sound and association with the legendary King Arthur. It offers parents a distinct option for their son's name while also providing a rich historical and cultural background. Although it may not be as common as some other names, those who bear the name Macarthur carry with them a proud heritage and an intriguing past.
Based on these statistics, the name Macarthur experienced varied popularity over time. The peak was reached in 1942 with 142 births, while the lowest point occurred in 1941 with only 5 births. After peaking in the mid-40s, the number of annual births with this name fluctuated considerably but generally declined until around the late 60s to early 70s when it stabilized at around 10-20 births per year. Since then, the popularity of the name Macarthur has remained relatively consistent, with approximately 8-18 births annually up until recent years (2019-2023). In total, over the course of these years, there were 1277 babies named Macarthur.