Artis

Meaning & origin

Artis is a rare masculine name that saw its highest usage in the early 1900s. First recorded in 1900, it peaked in popularity in 1908, a time when many shorter, surname-style names were in vogue. In 2025, the name ranks 4,857th with an incidence of 1 in 85,404 births. After a long decline, Artis has been steadily rising in use since 2011, reflecting a revival of vintage names from the turn of the last century. The name's etymology is uncertain, with possible roots in Latin ('artis', meaning 'of art') or as a variant of Arthur. This ambiguity adds to its quiet, understated charm. Artis was most common during the 1900s decade, though it did not appear among the top states in the most recent data. Its recent uptick suggests a new generation of parents are rediscovering this concise, distinctive name.

Artis is a name of uncertain origin. It may derive from the Latin word 'artis', the genitive singular of 'ars', meaning 'art' or 'skill'. Alternatively, it could be a short form or variant of Arthur, which has debated Celtic origins meaning 'bear' or 'stone'. The name saw modest use in the early 20th century in the United States, particularly in the 1900s.