Antoine

Antoine is the French form of the old Roman Family name “Antonius” from the gens “Antonia”. The Antonius clan name is of uncertain origin, probably originated from the ancient Etruscan civilization in Italy (near modern day Tuscany) whose language is now extinct. The family name was shared by both the patrician and plebian classes, and most famously borne by Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius, 83 B.C.-30 B.C.). Apparently Mark Antony invented a mythological person named Anton (son of Hercules) from whom he claimed descent, most likely in an effort to establish his own greatness. After Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 B.C., Antony joined together with Octavian and Lepidus to form the Second Triumvirate. This political alliance would later collapse when Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium (31 B.C.). Shortly thereafter Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide (see literary references below). In terms of the name Antonius, not much else is known about its origin. The English “th” was added later as some erroneous attempt to associate the name with the Greek word “anthos” (“flower”) or “anthropos” (“man”). Different variations of the name came into circulation throughout Europe starting in the post-classical era mostly thanks to an early Egyptian saint (3rd-4th century) known as Saint Antony the Great (“The Father of All Monks”). St. Antony’s life was memorialized by a Greek biographer shortly after his death; a written work which maintained widespread appeal throughout Europe up through the Middle Ages. St. Antony was not the first monk (as he’s often credited for being), but he was the first to live as a hermit for more than a decade deep in the deserts completely cut off from civilization. He was greatly admired for his ascetic life and religious discipline (apparently St. Antony successfully endured and overcame through prayer all sorts of supernatural temptations flung at him by the Devil). Needless to say St. Antony was one of the most revered saints in medieval Europe and his name was often bestowed on children as a protective measure. St. Antony is also the patron saint against infectious diseases (which were rampant in the Middle Ages), particularly skin diseases that are still referred to as “St. Anthony’s Fire” (e.g., shingles). Folks prayed to him for relief. His Feast Day is January 17. Due to the popularity of this name for over 2000 years, several linguistic forms have endured into the modern era. Anthony/Antony (English), Anton (Scandinavian and Slavic), Antonio (Italian and Spanish), Antwan (African-American), and, last but not least, Antoine (French). Antoinette is the French female equivalent.