Arthur
/ˈɑːr.θər/noun
A male given name and legendary British king.
Did you know?Despite centuries of speculation, scholars still debate Arthur’s deepest origin: it may come from a Celtic root meaning “bear,” or from a Roman family name, which is why the name feels so ancient and ungraspable.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Britain
Brittonic
Artos
“Possibly “bear” or a bear-like name element.”
Roman Britain
Latin
Artorius
“A Roman family name; possibly the source of the later legendary name.”
Early Medieval
Old Welsh
Arthur
“Name of a heroic figure in Brittonic tradition.”
12th Century
Latin
Arthurus
“Latinized form used in chronicles and romances about the king.”
Middle English
English
Arthur
“The legendary king’s name and later a personal name.”