MallowbyNames

Arty

AR-tee · Diminutive or pet form of Arthur, meaning 'bear' or 'bear-like'.

Peak popularity
1936
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Arty since 1936

Babies named Arty per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Arty's real moment was 1936.

471119401960198020002020Most births 1961Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1930s13
1940s10
1950s37
1960s54
1970s28
1980s7
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s9

Meaning & origin

Arty first appeared as a given name in 1936, its peak year of recorded usage, yet it has never entered the top 1000 rankings. The name has remained stable in its low-to-uncommon status over the decades, with no major trajectory shifts. As a diminutive of Arthur, Arty carries the bear-related meaning of its root name without the weight of any top state associations. Its enduring but quiet presence makes it a choice for parents seeking a short, friendly name with traditional ties.

Arty is a diminutive of Arthur, a name of Celtic origin whose precise meaning is debated, often interpreted as 'bear' from the Welsh 'arth'. The name Arthur gained prominence through the legendary King Arthur of Britain. Arty emerged as an affectionate nickname, particularly in English-speaking countries, and occasionally stands as an independent given name.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Artie

Sibling names for Arty

Names that share Arty's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Arty, our favorite little boy.

A is for Arty…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Arty's letter becomes Arty's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Arty's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Arty mean?
Arty is traditionally a diminutive of Arthur, which is believed to mean 'bear' from the Welsh 'arth'.
How popular is the name Arty currently?
Arty has not ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names in recent years. Its peak year of recorded use was 1936, and it has remained stable at low levels.
Is Arty a boy's name or a girl's name?
Arty is predominantly used as a boy's name, though it may be used for any gender.