NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Arsene

What is the origin of the name Arsene?

The name Arsène has its origins from the Latin word "Arsenius," which means "of Arse" or "from Arsea," a town in ancient Phrygia, located in modern-day Turkey. In Greek, it was spelled Αρσενειος (Arsenaios). The name became popular during the early Christian era, especially among the monks of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Over time, variations such as Arsenio, Arseny, and Arsène evolved in different languages and cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the name Arsene

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Arsene

The name Arsène is of French origin, derived from the Latin Arsenius, which was used for people associated with the mineral arsenic. The name's literal translation means "belonging to Arsenic" or "rascal made of arsenic". In the Middle Ages, the use of arsenic as a poison became known, which might have contributed to the name's secondary meaning of "rascally" or "mischievous". The name gained popularity in France during the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable figures with this name include Arsène Houssaye, a French writer, and Arsene Wenger, a Swiss football manager who managed Arsenal Football Club for more than two decades.

Character traits associated with the name Arsene

Characteristics commonly associated with the name Arsene often revolve around intelligence, creativity, and passion. An individual named Arsene is likely to possess a keen intellect, demonstrating a strong aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking. They are also known for their inventive nature, always seeking unique solutions and ideas that set them apart from others. This creativity is often channeled into artistic pursuits or scientific research. Arsenes tend to be passionate individuals who are deeply committed to their interests, demonstrating a tireless work ethic and dedication to their chosen field. They have an innate curiosity about the world, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences. However, they may also struggle with impatience and impulsiveness, leading them to act before fully considering the consequences.

Popularity of the name Arsene

The given first name "Arsene" is relatively uncommon and less popular compared to other traditional male names worldwide. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Arsene ranked outside the top 1000 most frequently given boys' names in the U.S. for over a century. Its occurrence varies across different countries, with France being one of the places where it might be more prevalent due to historical associations (e.g., Arsène Houssaye and Arsène Wenger). However, due to its unique spelling and less common usage in English-speaking regions, Arsene is not widely recognized or used among native speakers in these areas. Nonetheless, the name carries a distinctively European charm, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a more exotic moniker for their children.

Famous people with the name Arsene

Arsène Wenger is arguably the most renowned individual named Arsène, best known for his long and successful tenure as manager of Arsenal Football Club from 1996 to 2018. He led the team to an unparalleled period of success, including three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and multiple Champions League appearances. Wenger's innovative coaching style and emphasis on youth development significantly impacted English football. Another notable figure named Arsène is Arsène Lupin, a popular fictional character in French literature created by Maurice Leblanc. Lupin is a gentleman thief who uses his intelligence and wit to outsmart those who try to thwart him. The character has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, novels, and comic books, making Arsène Lupin a household name in France and beyond.

Variations of the name Arsene

The name Arsene is a given name with multiple variants and spellings across various languages and cultures. Here are some forms of the name:

* Arsenio (Spanish)
* Arsenij (Russian)
* Arsénio (Portuguese)
* Arsen (Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian)
* Arsenas (Greek)
* Arsan (Turkish)
* Arsenio (Italian)
* Archibald Arsenius (anglicized form)
* Arsène (French)

These variations all share a common root, but may have slight differences in spelling or pronunciation due to regional dialects and language norms. Some of these forms may also be used as surnames in certain cultures.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Arsa n (First name)

forenames > arsa-n

The name "Arsa" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "ár sa", meaning "an abundance of land". It is a popular name for both boys and girls in Ireland.

Arsad mansoori (First name)

forenames > arsad-mansoori

The name "Arsad" originates from Arabic and means "brave" or "courageous". "Mansoori" is an Arabic surname which means "victorious".

Arsad yadav (First name)

forenames > arsad-yadav

Arsad Yadav is a name of Indian origin. The surname Yadav is typically associated with the Yadav caste, which is one of the largest and most influential social groups in India. The...

Arsalan rza (First name)

forenames > arsalan-rza

The name Arsalan Rza has origins in both Persian and Azerbaijani languages. "Arsalan" is a Persian name meaning "lion-like" or "lion-hearted", while "Rza" or "Reza" is a common Aze...

Arsalanfazil (First name)

forenames > arsalanfazil

The name "Arsalanfazil" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a combination of two names or a unique creation.

Arsaleyani (First name)

forenames > arsaleyani

The origin of the first name "Arsaleyani" is not known.

Àrßàz (First name)

forenames > r-saz

The name ArSsaz does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English.

Arsd (First name)

forenames > arsd

The name "Arsd" does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English.

Arsd ansari (First name)

forenames > arsd-ansari

The name "Arsd Ansari" is of Arabic origin. "Arsd" means rear or back in Arabic, and "Ansari" is a surname commonly used by people of Arab descent.

Arsell (First name)

forenames > arsell

The first name Arsell is of Old English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Eoforheard, composed of the elements "eofor" meaning "wild boar" and "heard" meanin...

Arselle (First name)

forenames > arselle

The origin of the first name "Arselle" is not clear, as it is a less common name and may not have a well-documented origin.

Arsema (First name)

forenames > arsema

The name "Arsema" is of Eritrean origin. It is a feminine given name commonly used in Eritrea and Ethiopia. In the Tigrinya language, which is widely spoken in those regions, "Arse...

Arsenna (First name)

forenames > arsenna

The name Arsenna is of Greek origin. It is a variation of the name Arsenia, which is derived from the Greek word "arsen," meaning "male."

Arsha (First name)

forenames > arsha

The name Arsha is derived from the Sanskrit word "Arsha" which means "related to Rishis" or "related to sages." In Hinduism, "Rishis" are wise, spiritual beings who have a deep und...

Arshab (First name)

forenames > arshab

The name Arshab has Persian origins. It is a masculine name meaning "lion" in Persian.