Art (given name)


Art is a Celtic masculine given name, meaning "bear", thus figuratively "champion".

Origins and history

Art meant the ‘bear’ in Celtic languages. The name derives from Proto-Celtic *artos , from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ŕ̥tḱos. With bears the local apex predator, Art figuratively referred to a ‘champion’ and two Legendary High Kings of Ireland had the name, Art mac Cuinn and Art mac Lugdach.
The name Arthur is frequently shortened to Art, but its etymological link to Art is in debate.

People with the name Art