Arthur

Arthur is a traditionally masculine name with many different language roots and meanings. Its Scots/Celtic root is "artos," meaning "bear," and Arthur is said to mean "strong as a bear" — in Welsh, the name specifically means "bear hero." Arthur also draws from the Roman clan name Artorius, which means noble or courageous, and the Irish word "art," which means "stone." Variations include Art, Armel, Artis, Artie, Arturo, or even Auberon, which also means "bearlike."

The most famous Arthur was, of course, King Arthur, a legendary sixth century King of England who pulled a sword from a stone, helmed the Round Table of knights (Lancelot et al), wed Guinevere, and embarked on a quest for the Holy Grail. The name Arthur appears in Shakepeare as well; in 'King John,' Arthur is the name of the Duke of Britaine. 'Arthur' is also the name of one of Stephen R. Lawhead's many books in The Pendragon Cycle — historical fantasy tales of Arthurian legend.

Other notable Arthurs include Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, 'Sherlock Holmes' creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke, and playwright Arthur Miller. Former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's given name is actually Arthur.

Arthur in quotes:

“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
— Arthur Miller, 'The Crucible'

"I have seen a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness, and compassion flow like deep water over the land, and men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty, above comfort, pleasure or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns in the hill, and love like a fire from every hearth.”
― Stephen R. Lawhead, Arthur