Why Is Arsenal Called Arsenal? 10 Facts About The Gunners
By [email protected] in Apr 26, 2025
Arsenal is a famous club, one of the world's football icons. So why is Arsenal called Arsenal? The answer and 10 facts about Arsenal will be revealed by Fendory below!
1. What was the original name of Arsenal Football Club?
Sharing about why is Arsenal called Arsenal, longtime fans said that at first, this club was not called Arsenal. When it was first founded in 1886 by a group of workers at the Royal Arsenal weapons factory in Woolwich, the team was named Dial Square - a workshop in the industrial area.
The team's first match took place on December 11, 1886, against the Eastern Wanderers team, which was a leading football club with great influence in New Zealand and the region. It was the 6 - 0 victory here that officially started a football monument called Arsenal as it is today.
The original name of Arsenal Football Club is Dial Square
2. Why did the club change its name to Royal Arsenal?
Shortly after the first match in 1886, the team members realized that the name “Dial Square” did not adequately represent the community in which they worked and lived. So the club chose the new name Royal Arsenal.
The new name was both a tribute to the workplace and evoked the majesty associated with the defense industry. This was also the name that was associated with the club in its early stages of development, building the foundation for the later name Arsenal.
3. How did 'Woolwich Arsenal' become the club’s new identity?
In 1893, the team officially became a professional football club and joined the Football League. From here, the name Woolwich Arsenal was born, representing the combination of the Woolwich area (where the club is based) and the place where they worked (the Royal Arsenal).
However, due to its geographical location far from the center of London, the club encountered many difficulties in attracting spectators. This caused the team to face a tight financial situation and limited performance.
The club changed its name from Royal Arsenal to Woolwich Arsenal in 1893
4. What Prompted the Move to Highbury?
As shared above, the team had financial problems and limited fans due to geographical location, so to solve this problem, the club decided to move to the Highbury area in North London in 1913. This is considered a major turning point in the history of the team, contributing to explaining why is Arsenal called Arsenal.
Although initially, the decision to leave Woolwich was controversial, in the long run, this helped the club get closer to the London fan community. Besides, the team has expanded its appeal among football fans.
5. How did "Woolwich Arsenal" become "The Arsenal"?
After moving to Highbury, in 1914, the club decided to drop the word “Woolwich” from its name and change it to The Arsenal. This is the milestone that started the current reason why is Arsenal called Arsenal.
The name change showed the desire to escape the old shadow and build a new, stronger image of the team. The decision to add the word “The” to the club’s name also emphasized the uniqueness and special position of the team in the football world.
6. When was the definite article dropped from the name?
Why is Arsenal called Arsenal? When the “The” in “The Arsenal” was removed, the club officially became Arsenal. This happened in 1919, when the team was invited back to the First Division after World War I.
From this point on, they decided to call the club Arsenal Football Club as it is today, to help the club become more professional, more recognizable globally and create a simple but powerful brand: Arsenal.
The club officially took the name Arsenal after removing the "The" from the phrase "The Arsenal"
7. What is the meaning of the word "Arsenal"?
The word Arsenal comes from the Arabic word “Dar al-sina’ah” which means “workshop” or “arms depot”. It is believed that the word came into English via the Italian word “Arsenale”. The name reflects a strong connection with the team’s origins as workers in an arms factory. Therefore, the name Arsenal not only has historical value but also conveys a fierce fighting spirit.
8. How did Arsenal acquire the nickname "The Gunners"?
Due to its origins in an artillery and weapons factory, the club was soon affectionately nicknamed “The Gunners” – the gunners or gunners. This nickname has stuck with the club’s history and culture, to the point that fans in the city still call them “Gooners” – a play on the word “Gunners”.
9. What is the significance of the cannon in Arsenal's crest?
In addition to wondering why is Arsenal called Arsenal, many fans also want to know what the cannon symbol in the club's logo means. Since the early 20th century, the cannon symbol has appeared on Arsenal's badge.
This is a symbolic image of the team's military origins, and also represents the uncompromising fighting spirit on the field. Although it has undergone many design changes, the cannon is still the indispensable central symbol in the Arsenal logo.
The cannon symbol in the Arsenal logo represents pride in the team's history
10. How has Arsenal's name influenced its global identity
The change of name is strong, easy to remember and rich in historical significance has helped Arsenal quickly affirm its position in the global football village. Not only successful in England, Arsenal is also a brand, a famous football symbol in Asia, Africa, America, ...
The rebranding has had a profound impact on the club, as can be seen in Arsenal’s huge international fan base and commercial reach. In football-loving countries around the world, Arsenal fan clubs attract thousands of passionate fans, regularly hosting matchday viewings and charity events. The club’s pre-season tours to Asia and the United States also consistently attract large crowds and media attention. All of this demonstrates the power of the Arsenal brand beyond borders.
Hopefully the above information has helped you answer the question, why is Arsenal called Arsenal? The name Arsenal is not only the name of a football team but also a symbol of the history, pride, and success of the club. Check out Fendory for a wide range of Arsenal FC merchandise and more updates on the team!
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