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Reading 2 min.
Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
In the dark universe of “Joker: Folie à deux”, the main character played by Joaquin Phoenix alone embodies the fragility of the human spirit in the face of an indifferent society. Doctissimo looks back at the origins and history of Joker’s real first name…
The first name Arthur has long been associated with heroic and legendary figures, notably King Arthur of Arthurian legend. However, in the dark and tortured universe of Joker, this first name takes on a completely different dimension. With the release of Joker: Folie à deux, the figure of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, becomes even more central, and his first name is transformed into a symbol of madness, marginality and human tragedy.
An etymology that is debated
The first name Arthur is associated with the emblematic figure of King Arthur, legendary hero of medieval Celtic stories and in particular the Knights of the Round Table. Its etymology is debated, but several hypotheses are mentioned. It could be derived from the Celtic word “artos”, meaning “bear”, a symbol of strength and courage in Celtic culture. Another hypothesis links it to the Latin word “artus”, meaning “noble” or “strong”. In all cases, the first name Arthur evokes qualities of leadership, bravery and wisdom.
In “Joker: Folie à deux”, the first name Arthur is a key element in the evolution of the character. This name, heavy with symbolism, represents both lost innocence and the metamorphosis of a man crushed by society into an icon of madness and rebellion. As Joker’s character evolves, the first name Arthur remains a constant reminder of Fleck’s humanity, even in his darkest moments.
The popularity of the name Arthur
If we look at the evolution of the first name Arthur over the years, it appears that it experiences remarkable regularity in birth registers. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been used continuously, lasting through the years without ever going out of fashion. In 2024, it remains a common first name in French maternity wards, part of a trend which mixes classic first names and historical first names.
According to recent statistics, Arthur regularly appears in the top 20 of the most given male first names in France. Today’s parents seem to be looking for a balance between tradition and modernity, and Arthur fits this need perfectly. Its soft yet strong sound, as well as its rich history, make it an ideal choice.
It is therefore unlikely that the popularity of the name Arthur will decline any time soon. While many parents turn to retro names, looking for safe values and traditions, Arthur ticks all the boxes.
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