Arthur Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Arthur come from? What does the surname Arthur mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Arthur and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Arthur Origin: What does the last name Arthur mean?
The surname Arthur has its origins in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, dating back to the early 14th century. This surname is tied to both England and Scotland, with records showing its presence in these regions from the 14th to the 16th century. Over time, the frequency of Arthur family records increased, indicating a spread of the surname across more regions. By the 17th century, the United States began to see a rise in the volume of Arthur surname records, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom by the 18th century. Today, the Arthur surname is notably prevalent in the United States, but it can also be found in several other countries globally, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, France, and Germany.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Arthur surname in the United Kingdom since the early 14th century, with a steady expansion seen in the following centuries. By the 17th century, the surname had spread extensively worldwide, establishing itself strongly in the United States. Today, the YourRoots database shows Arthur surname records in various countries worldwide, highlighting its widespread global presence and rich heritage across different regions and cultures.
Arthur Last Name History: Where did the last name Arthur come from?
Origin of Arthur Surname: Where does the last name Arthur originate from?
The YourRoots database reveals that the first documented appearance of the surname Arthur comes from the United Kingdom, specifically in England, dating back to the early 14th century. It's important to note that this data only represents the exact spelling of "Arthur" within the YourRoots records and does not encompass other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Arthur: What does the Arthur surname history look like in the early days?
The Arthur surname was primarily tied to the United Kingdom, particularly England and Scotland, from the 14th through the 16th century according to the YourRoots data. Over these centuries, the frequency of Arthur family records began to increase, indicating a spread of the surname across more regions.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Arthur surname today?
By the 17th century, the United States began to see a rise in the volume of Arthur surname records, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom by the 18th century. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Arthur surname is notably prevalent in the United States, but it can also be found in several other countries globally. The YourRoots database shows Arthur surname records in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, France, Germany, and several others, demonstrating its widespread global presence.
Explore Arthur last name heritage and Arthur surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Arthur Surame?
King Arthur
King Arthur (Unknown – Unknown) was a legendary king of Britain, central to the medieval literary tradition known as the Matter of Britain. He is a folk hero known for battles against the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th and 6th centuries. The character of Arthur developed through Welsh mythology and literature, becoming a figure of international interest in the 12th-century. Arthurian legends include his father Uther Pendragon, the magician Merlin, wife Guinevere, and the sword Excalibur. Despite debate over his historicity, he remains a prominent figure in literature, theatre, film, and other media, with adaptations continuing into the 21st century.
Bea Arthur
Beatrice Arthur (May 13, 1922 – April 25, 2009) was an American actress, comedienne, and singer known for her iconic roles in popular sitcoms. She gained worldwide recognition for playing Maude Findlay in "All in the Family" and "Maude" in the 1970s, and later as Dorothy Zbornak in "The Golden Girls" in the 1980s and 1990s. Arthur won several awards throughout her career, including Emmy Awards for her outstanding performances. Her sharp wit and comedic timing made her a beloved TV star. Beyond television, she also had a successful career in theater and film, showcasing her versatile talents to audiences.
Chester A. Arthur
Chester Alan Arthur (Oct 5, 1829 – Nov 18, 1886) served as the 21st President of the United States, succeeding President James A. Garfield after his assassination. Known for expanding the U.S. Navy and implementing stricter immigration policies, Arthur was born in Vermont and practiced law in New York City. Despite his initial reputation, Arthur surprised many by signing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act and making efforts to balance political factions. Though not widely remembered today, Arthur's presidency was deemed solid by contemporaries, with Mark Twain even praising his administration.
Jean Arthur
Jean Gladys Georgianna Arthur (October 17, 1900 – June 19, 1991) was an American actress known for her roles in classic films like "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." She was a staple in screwball comedies and known for her comedic timing and charm. Arthur also starred alongside Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich in iconic movies. Despite her aversion to publicity, Arthur remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history, especially in the romantic comedy genre. Her legacy as a leading lady in the Golden Age of Hollywood continues to inspire actors and fans alike.
Joseph Arthur
Joseph Lyburn Arthur (born Sep 28, 1971) is an American singer-songwriter and artist known for his solo work and as a member of various bands. He gained recognition for his unique live performances using distortion and loop pedals, and his albums have received critical acclaim. Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel and signed to Real World label, releasing albums like "Big City Secrets" and "Come to Where I'm From." He also established his own record label, Lonely Astronaut Records. In addition to music, Arthur is a talented painter and designer, with his artwork featured on all his releases. His diverse talents have earned him a loyal fan base and Grammy nominations.
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