Artemus

Meaning & origin

Artemus remains a rare and distinctive name in the United States, having first appeared in Social Security records in 1912. Its peak usage came in 1971, but overall the name has never been common, typically ranking outside the top 1,000. In recent decades, Artemus has experienced a modest revival: after declining in the late 20th century, it began a steady rise in 2011, though it still ranked only 6,446 in 2025. That year, roughly one in 131,390 newborn boys received the name. The name does not have strong ties to any particular U.S. state, appearing sporadically across the country. Artemus offers a classic but uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with Greek and biblical associations, all without the weight of extensive cultural baggage.

Artemus is a variant of Artemas, a Greek name derived from Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. The name has biblical connections through a figure mentioned in the New Testament (Titus 3:12). It saw modest use in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward, often in the U.S. as a distinctive alternative to Arthur or Martin.