 Some hypothesize it is a contraction of "Atrebates", a Belgic tribe of Gaul and Britain that used to inhabit the area.The name "Atrebates" could have successively evolved to become "Atrades", "Atradis", "Aras" and finally "Arras".Others believe it comes from the Celtic word "Ar", meaning 'running water', as the Scarpe river flows through Arras.