Arthur: meaning and origin
Arthur
“Bear; the legendary King Arthur”
About the name Arthur
Arthur is a boy’s name from the Welsh tradition. Its meaning is “bear; the legendary King Arthur”. Names from Welsh, with roots in Celtic legend — like Rhys, Megan, Gwen and Dylan.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: nature names, royal names: king, queen and noble.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Welsh names
- Dylan 👦Son of the sea · Welsh
- Ellis 🧒Kind, benevolent · Welsh
- Evan 👦God is gracious; a Welsh form of John · Welsh
- Gareth 👦Gentle; a knight of King Arthur · Welsh
- Morgan 🧒Sea-born, sea circle · Welsh
- Owen 👦Well-born, noble · Welsh
- Reese 🧒Enthusiasm; an English spelling of Rhys · Welsh
- Rhett 👦Enthusiasm; also from a Dutch surname · Welsh
- Rhys 👦Enthusiasm, ardor · Welsh
- Tristan 👦Tumult, noise; a hero of Arthurian legend · Welsh
Sibling name ideas (Welsh, girls)
- Bronwyn 👧White breast; fair one · Welsh
- Gwen 👧White, fair, blessed · Welsh
- Megan 👧Pearl; a Welsh form of Margaret · Welsh
- Rhiannon 👧Great queen; a figure in Welsh legend · Welsh
- Seren 👧Star · Welsh
More boy names starting with A
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Adrian 👦From Hadria, a town near the Adriatic Sea · Latin
- Aiden 👦Little fire · Irish
- Alejandro 👦Defender of the people · Spanish
- Alexander 👦Defender of the people · Greek
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Anders 👦Manly, strong; a form of Andrew · Scandinavian
- Andre 👦Manly, strong; the French form of Andrew · French
Questions and answers
What does the name Arthur mean?
Arthur is a name of Welsh origin. It means: bear; the legendary King Arthur.
Is Arthur a boy or girl name?
Arthur is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Arthur have?
Arthur has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.