Meaning and origin
The last name Arthur is of ancient Celtic origin, derived from the personal name Artúr, which is believed to mean "bear" or "bear-like." It traces its roots back to the legendary King Arthur, known for his mythical prowess and leadership. Over time, the name Arthur spread throughout Europe and the British Isles, carried by individuals of Celtic descent and later adopted by others through admiration for the legendary figure. Today, the surname Arthur can be found worldwide, representing a long-standing connection to Celtic history and the enduring influence of the Arthurian legend.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
Similar spellings
#1,247
Arthur was the 1,247th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 28,102 people, about 10 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Arthur
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Arthur is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.