Noble, bear man, or follower of Thor
Most commonly used as a diminutive of Arthur, Art carries the Celtic meaning of 'bear' and the Roman association with nobility. It has also functioned as a standalone name in Dutch and Germanic contexts, derived from Arend or Arnout, meaning 'eagle power'. In modern English usage, it is often associated with creativity and the fine arts.
Less common today
Art isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,175 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Oscar and Emmy-winning actor known for The Honeymooners
Grammy-winning singer and member of Simon & Garfunkel
Influential jazz pianist widely considered a virtuoso
Founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL Hall of Famer
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and author of Maus
Humorist and columnist for The Washington Post
The recurring alias used by George Costanza · Seinfeld
