Anthony: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Anthony is a male name of Latin origin, meaning "priceless" or "of inestimable worth". Rooted in the Roman family name Antonius, it has maintained enduring popularity through Christian saints and historical figures.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Priceless, of inestimable worth |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | AN-thə-nee |
Etymology of Anthony
Anthony derives from the Roman family name Antonius, a Latin gens (clan) name whose exact meaning remains uncertain. The most widely accepted interpretation is "priceless" or "of inestimable worth," though some scholars suggest it may derive from the Greek anthos (flower) or anti (against).
The name entered Christian tradition through Saint Anthony the Great (251-356 AD), an Egyptian monk considered the father of monasticism. His influence cemented the name's religious significance across Europe. A later Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), a Portuguese Franciscan friar and Doctor of the Church, further popularized the name in medieval Christendom.
The spelling with "h" (Anthony) emerged in the Renaissance when scholars believed it derived from Greek anthos. The variant Antony (without "h") preserves the original Latin form, though both spellings coexist in English.
History of Anthony
Origins and Early Use
Anthony originates from the Roman gens Antonia, a patrician family prominent during the late Republic and early Empire. The most famous bearer was Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony, 83-30 BC), the Roman general and triumvir who allied with Cleopatra. Despite his political downfall, the family name survived.
The name's Christian transformation began with Saint Anthony the Great, whose ascetic life in the Egyptian desert inspired the monastic movement. His feast day (January 17) and widespread veneration made Antonius a common baptismal name across the Roman Empire.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 4th-6th century | Spread of monasticism | Established as a Christian name across Europe |
| 13th century | Saint Anthony of Padua canonized (1232) | Surge in popularity in Italy, Portugal, and Spain |
| Renaissance | Humanist interest in classical Rome | "Anthony" spelling adopted by scholars |
| 20th century | American Catholic immigration | Rose to top 50 in US (Italian, Irish communities) |
| 1960s-2000s | Mainstream adoption | Peaked at #7 (2007) across all demographics |
Modern Usage
Anthony reached its zenith in the United States in 2007, ranking #7 with over 19,000 births annually. This peak reflected the name's crossover from ethnic-specific use (Italian-American, Hispanic) to mainstream American culture. Television shows like The Sopranos (Tony Soprano) and athletes like Anthony Davis reinforced its visibility.
Since 2010, Anthony has gradually declined to #44 (2024), reflecting broader trends away from traditional saint names. However, it remains far more popular than most classical names, sustained by its professional sound and strong cultural associations.
Key insight: This name rose because of its dual appeal—religious gravitas from two major saints and Roman imperial strength from Marcus Antonius—and has stabilized as a mainstream choice rather than declining into obscurity.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Anthony when they want to convey tradition, strength, and respectability, especially in contexts involving leadership, faith, or professional credibility.
Variants of Anthony
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Antony | Original Latin spelling, less common |
| Italian | Antonio | Standard form in Italy |
| Spanish | Antonio | Widely used in Hispanic cultures |
| French | Antoine | Classic French form |
| German | Anton | Short German variant |
| Portuguese | António | Portuguese spelling with accent |
| Polish | Antoni | Standard Polish form |
| Russian | Anton (Антон) | Adopted from Greek influence |
For digital IDs, shorter forms like "Anton" or "Ant" tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Tony - Most common English nickname
- Ant - Casual, modern short form
- Anto - Mediterranean informal variant
Similar Names
- Marcus - Another prominent Roman name
- Adrian - Latin origin, similar classical feel
- Sebastian - Saint name with comparable popularity curve
Anthony Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #67 | 406 |
| 1920s | #43 | 4,944 |
| 1940s | #46 | 4,769 |
| 1960s | #25 | 19,492 |
| 1980s | #24 | 17,608 |
| 2000s | #17 | 19,655 |
| 2020s | #41 | 7,030 |
| 2024 | #44 | 6,326 |
Peak: 2007, ranked #7 (19,637 births)
Current (2024): #44 (6,326 births)
Trend analysis: Anthony surged during the late 20th century as Italian-American and Hispanic cultural influence grew in mainstream America, then gradually declined post-2010 as parents shifted toward less traditional names. Its sustained top-50 presence reflects enduring appeal among families valuing classic, established names.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Anthony as a Username
Availability
"anthony" as a username is often taken on major platforms due to the name's high historical popularity. Securing the base form typically requires early registration or luck.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | anthony | Professional networks (if available) |
| With numbers | anthony99, tony2024 | Gaming, Discord |
| Abbreviated | ant, anto | Twitter/X, Instagram |
| Stylized | xanthony, anthonyx | Creative platforms, preserves full name |
Digital Impression
Anthony as an ID tends to project:
- Professional credibility - because it's a well-established formal name with no trendy associations
- Approachability - because the nickname "Tony" is widely recognized and friendly
Best for: LinkedIn profiles, business emails, or platforms where you want a trustworthy, mature presence.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, as "anthony" and variants are commonly taken.
Is Anthony good for a username?
Anthony works well as a username if you value tradition, recognizability, and professional tone. However, due to its high popularity across generations, you may need variations like "anthonyx" or "ant_official" to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Anthony mean?
Anthony means "priceless" or "of inestimable worth" from the Latin family name Antonius.
Is Anthony popular?
According to SSA data, Anthony ranks #44 in the US (2024). It is declining slowly from its 2007 peak at #7 but remains a top-50 name.
What are nicknames for Anthony?
Common nicknames: Tony, Ant, Anto.
Is Anthony a boy's or girl's name?
Anthony is traditionally a male name. While rare, some modern parents use it as a unisex middle name.
How do you pronounce Anthony?
Anthony is pronounced AN-thə-nee in American English. British English may use AN-tuh-nee with a softer middle syllable.
Is Anthony good for a username?
Anthony works well as a username if you value professionalism and tradition, though availability may require variation due to widespread use.
Related Names
- Marcus - Same Roman patrician origin
- Adrian - Latin origin with similar classical strength
- Tony - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026