Arthurs Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Arthurs Name

Patronymic surname meaning 'son of Arthur', from the Celtic personal name Arthur, possibly derived from Brythonic 'artos' meaning bear or from Roman Artorius

Tracing the Arthurs Lineage

The Arthurs name has deep roots in Irish history, stretching back through centuries of Gaelic civilisation. Irish surnames are among the oldest hereditary family names in Europe, with many dating to the 10th and 11th centuries when the practice of fixed surnames became established across Ireland.

Historical records trace the Arthurs surname to circa 1200, with the name associated with Wales and Ireland. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Arthurs name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including Associated with the legendary King Arthur and the Arthurian tradition; Chester Alan Arthur, 21st US President, bore this surname; Irish Arthurs families held estates in County Antrim. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Arthurs name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Arthurs legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Arthurs arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Noble Connections

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• Associated with the legendary King Arthur and the Arthurian tradition; Chester Alan Arthur, 21st US President, bore this surname; Irish Arthurs families held estates in County Antrim

Historical peerage documents reference the Arthurs family, demonstrating their place within the broader framework of British nobility and social hierarchy. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Notable Arthurss in History

Explore Ireland Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Arthurs family's Welsh/Irish/Scottish heritage.