Arthur etymology

Etymology and Origin

The name Arthur is of Celtic origin, derived from the Latinized form "Artūr", which is believed to have been borrowed from a Proto-Celtic language. The Proto-Celtic root is reconstructed as "Artos".

Meaning

The meaning of the name is not entirely certain, but there are two main theories:

• "Bear" or "Man-bear"

This theory suggests that Arthur derives from the Celtic word "art", meaning "bear", or the Proto-Celtic word "artos", meaning "man" or "hero". Bears were highly revered in Celtic mythology and were associated with strength and courage.

• "Noble" or "Exalted"

Another theory suggests that Arthur comes from the Proto-Celtic word "artu", meaning "noble" or "exalted". This is supported by the fact that many Celtic leaders and heroes were given names that reflected their status or qualities.

Alternative Spellings and Forms

• Arthur (English)
• Artù (Italian)
• Artus (French)
• Arturo (Spanish)
• Artúr (Welsh)
• Ardán (Irish)

Popularity

Arthur has been a popular given name throughout history, particularly in the English-speaking world. Notable people with the name Arthur include:

• King Arthur of British legend
• Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes stories
• Arthur C. Clarke, science fiction writer
• Arthur Miller, playwright
• Arthur Ashe, tennis player

Arthur relate terms

• arctic

  Etymology Arctic is derived from the Greek word arktikos which means near the bear

• bear

  Etymology and Origin of Bear Proto Indo European PIE bʰr̥tos or bʰortós meanin

• Arthurian

  Etymology The name Arthur derives from the Proto Celtic name Artō rīg ios meaning

• Arthur

  Etymology and Origin The name Arthur is of Celtic origin derived from the Latinized form

• erne

  Etymology Old English earn noun and verb meaning eagle or to earn Proto Germa

• Arnold

  Etymology Old High German Arnolt Frankish Arnwald Meaning Germanic Eagle rul

• Arthur

  Etymology and Origin The name Arthur is of Celtic origin derived from the Latinized form

• worthy

  Etymology Old English weorðig Proto Germanic werþiz Proto Indo European wert

• Harley

  Etymology and Meaning The name Harley originated as a habitational surname from the Old E

• primal

  Etymology Latin primus first Indo European pre before Meaning First in

• barefoot

  Etymology of Barefoot The word barefoot is derived from two Old English words Ba

• Jones

  Etymology The surname Jones originates from the Welsh patronymic ap Iôn meaning son

• Cincinnati

  Etymology The name Cincinnati is derived from the Latin phrase Cincinnatus qui colit

• imperial

  Etymology From Old French imperial from Latin imperialis from imperium empire

• hope

  Etymology The word hope originates from the Old English word hopian which means to

• Prussia

  Etymology The name Prussia is derived from the Old Prussian word Prūsa which means

• affinity

  Etymology Latin affinitas meaning relationship by marriage Old French affinité