Arthur is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #221 in 1997 with 143 recorded births. This places Arthur in the top 6% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 4,211 births ranking #4. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 10.9%. In 1997, approximately 1 in every 2,199 boys born was named Arthur. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Arthur is a major traditional name with a noble, literary feel, but its exact original meaning is uncertain. It is often connected with the idea of a bear, though the deeper etymology is debated.
The name is inseparable from the legendary King Arthur and the long medieval tradition around him. That story helped make Arthur one of the most enduring heroic names in Britain and beyond.