The name Arthur originates from the Celtic British sources and is derived from the Celtic compound name Artur, which means "bear" and "man" or "bear man." It is believed to have emerged in the 6th century AD among the ancient Britons, who were of Celtic descent and inhabited the regions of Great Britain.

The name gained significant popularity due to its association with the legendary King Arthur, a British leader who is said to have defended Britain against the Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. The tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have been widely celebrated in literature, art, and folklore throughout the centuries, contributing to the enduring fame of the name.

The earliest recorded use of the name Arthur dates back to the 6th century, when it appeared in the Welsh genealogies and historical accounts. One of the earliest known individuals with the name was Arthur, a 6th-century British king who led the defense against the Anglo-Saxons, as depicted in the legendary tales.

Over the course of history, several notable figures have borne the name Arthur. One of the most famous was Arthur I, Duke of Brittany (1187-1203), who was a medieval Breton ruler and one of the few indisputably historical figures to bear the name during the Middle Ages. Another prominent Arthur was Arthur Tudor (1486-1502), the eldest son of King Henry VII of England and heir to the throne before his untimely death.

During the 19th century, the name gained renewed popularity due to the Romantic movement's fascination with Arthurian legends. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), was a notable British military leader and statesman who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), the celebrated Scottish writer and creator of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, also contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

In the 20th century, Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008), the renowned British science fiction writer and futurist, became a prominent bearer of the name. Another notable Arthur was Arthur Ashe (1943-1993), an American professional tennis player who was the first black man to win the Wimbledon singles title and a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Arthur, a name that has endured for centuries and continues to be widely used across various cultures and societies.