A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Arther since 1880
Babies named Arther per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Arther's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 154 |
| 1890s | 183 |
| 1900s | 234 |
| 1910s | 762 |
| 1920s | 1,170 |
| 1930s | 1,023 |
| 1940s | 671 |
| 1950s | 394 |
| 1960s | 172 |
| 1970s | 113 |
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 18 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Arther is a rare variant spelling of Arthur, a name with deep roots in British legend. While Arthur has been a staple for centuries, Arther has always been uncommon. Its peak came in 1909, when it appeared most frequently, though still relatively rare. The name spent many decades in decline but has been rising again since 2019, suggesting a modern interest in vintage spellings. In the latest year (2025), Arther ranked 12,008, with only about 1 in 341,615 newborns receiving the name. The name is almost exclusively used for boys, with its strongest historical association being the early 1900s. Arther has never been associated with any particular U.S. state as a top name. Its revival in recent years mirrors the cyclical return of classic names, and it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a traditional name with a slightly different spelling.
Arther is a variant spelling of Arthur, a name of debated Celtic origin. It is often thought to derive from the Welsh 'arth' (bear) combined with a suffix meaning 'son of' or 'strong'. The name gained widespread popularity through the legendary King Arthur and saw a revival in the 19th century. This particular spelling, Arther, appears as a rare but historical variant, recorded in U.S. data since 1880.
Where Arther is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Art, Artie
Sibling names for Arther
Names that share Arther's style, for a brother or sister.
