Arthur is one of the most popular baby names in the UK, ranked #4 in 2024. With 3,368 babies given this name, your child will likely be the only Arthur in their class — but in a school of 600, expect around ~1.7 others.
Origin & Meaning
Celtic — Bear; possibly from the Roman Artorius
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UK Rank 2024
#4
US Rank #105
About the Name Arthur
Arthur is holding steady in the rankings at #4. It reached its peak of #3 in 2020 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has featured in the UK top 100 for 16 years, demonstrating solid mainstream recognition.
Etymologically, Arthur comes from Celtic, where it means "Bear; possibly from the Roman Artorius". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Arthur is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #105 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Arthur
Probably not in their specific class, but possible. With around 3,368 UK babies named Arthur per year, your child will likely be the only Arthur in his class. In a school of 600, however, expect to find around ~1.7 others.
Arthur has held a stable position around #4 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #3 in 2020 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Arthur has Celtic origins and means "Bear; possibly from the Roman Artorius". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Arthur include: Arthur MacArthur — Arthur MacArthur is the name of: Arthur MacArthur Sr.; Isaac Arthur — Isaac Albert Arthur is a science educator, YouTuber, futurist and president of the American National Space Society (NSS).; King Arthur — King Arthur (Welsh: Brenin Arthur; Cornish: Arthur Gernow; Breton: Roue Arzhur; French: Roi Arthur) was a legendary king of Britain..
Arthur appears in the US top 500 at #105 in 2024 — moderately popular in America, though less so than in the UK.
3,368
UK babies named Arthur (2024)
~0.1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~1.7
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Arthur
Likely around 1 other Arthur in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Arthur
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Arthur MacArthur is the name of: Arthur MacArthur Sr., lieutenant governor of Wisconsin and acting governor for four days; United States federal judge Arthur MacArthur Jr.
Isaac Albert Arthur is a science educator, YouTuber, futurist and president of the American National Space Society (NSS). He is best known as producer of his YouTube channel, Science & Futurism With Isaac Arthur (SFIA), where he discusses a broad variety of topics on futurism and space colonization.
King Arthur (Welsh: Brenin Arthur; Cornish: Arthur Gernow; Breton: Roue Arzhur; French: Roi Arthur) was a legendary king of Britain. He is a folk hero and a central figure in the medieval literary tradition known as the Matter of Britain.
Arthur MacArthur IV is an American concert pianist and writer, and the only child of General Douglas MacArthur and Jean MacArthur. He is also the grandson of General Arthur MacArthur Jr.
Arthur Michael Wirtz was an American entrepreneur. He was the founder of Wirtz Corporation, a holding company that owned Chicago Stadium, the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago, the Chicago Black Hawks, and the Chicago Bulls.
Jeremy McArthur, known professionally as Arthur McArthur, is a Grammy-nominated Canadian record producer from Toronto, Ontario. A classically trained piano and guitar player, he has been involved in music producing since 2008.