The boy's name Arthur \a-rthur, ar-thur\ is pronounced AR-ther. It is of Celtic origin. King Arthur of Britain (sixth century) and his Round Table of knights have become legendary figures. His name was first found in the Latin form Artorius, which is of obscure origin. Other possible sources include "artos", the Celtic word for "bear"; an Irish Gaelic word meaning "stone"; Arnthor, an Old German name meaning "Thor, the eagle". Often used in the Middle Ages, but uncommon until the early 19th century, when Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, vanquished Napoleon. Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" (19th century) and the Victorian romanticism of things medieval in general and of Arthurian legend in particular promoted its use. Arturo is the Italian and Spanish form; Arto and Arrturi are Finnish. Columnist Art Buchwald; actor Art Carney; tennis celebrity Arthur Ashe; writer Arthur C. Clarke; playwright Arthur Miller.

ORIGIN
Celtic

MEANING
Bear/Stone

Possibly derived from the Celtic "Artos" or the Irish "Art." Associated with the legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Influenced during the 19th century by the British military successes of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He later became prime minister. In the U.S., ranked among the top 100 names for 90 years, mostly among the top 20. Preferred in Belgium and France.

VARIATIONS
Arthuretta Arthurina Arthurine

ALTERNATIVES
Arthor Arther

NICKNAMES
Arty Art

FAMOUS Arthurs
Arthur Roberts (actor) Arthur Garfunkel (musician) Arthur Conan Doyle (British author) Arthur Spooner ("The King of Queens" character)

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