Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Antony

Antony is the original English form of the old Roman Family name “Antonius” from the gens “Antonia” (the “h” would be added in the 17th century). 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 (made famous by William Shakespeare’s drama “Antony and Cleopatra). 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 it 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 thanks to a couple of early saints, especially the 3rd to 4th century Egyptian 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 Antoine (French).

All About the Baby Name – Antony

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ANTONY

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ANTONY

Anthony with the “h” is obviously the preferred spelling among English-speakers, but Antony had his own spell on America’s Top 1000 list between 1953 and 2010. Although this particular spelling can no longer be found on the Top 1000, it is still bestowed on about 150 baby boys per year (2012). Compare that to 13,000 boys named Anthony in 2012! Or even the 3,000 given Antonio. There are a few different options for parents attracted to this age-old Roman name, it just comes down to a matter of preference.

Quick Facts

ON ANTONY

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

AN-tə-nee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Uncertain

Characteristics

OF ANTONY

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Antony

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ANTONY

Mark Antony is one of the title characters from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra, first printed in 1623. Mark Antony is one of the triumvirate which rules the Roman Empire after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Antony is a handsome man, a good citizen, a loyal friend. He is also, however, of a somewhat lazy bent, indolent, and with more than a passing eye for women. Antony has lately been spending all his time in Egypt, having an affair with its queen, Cleopatra, and becoming more and more debauched. Antony is aware of his failings, however, and when news comes from Rome that his wife has died and that Pompey is planning to overthrow the triumvirate, he responds to the call of duty. Although Cleopatra begs him to stay with her among the sensuous pleasures of Alexandria, Antony returns to reason, to duty, to Rome. He is prevailed upon to marry another of the triumvirate’s sister, Octavia, which he does without much enthusiasm. When a truce between Pompey and the triumvirate is broken by Octavian and Lepidus, Antony is furious and returns to Egypt. There, he has himself and Cleopatra crowned as rulers of Egypt, and prepares to go to war against Octavian. When Cleopatra withdraws her sea support, Antony loses to Octavian and vows to kill Cleopatra for her treachery. She, hearing this, sends word to Antony that she has killed herself, then confidently locks herself away to await his return. Antony, for his part, is so overcome by grief that he attempts to kill himself and is finally successful, dying in her arms. When Cleopatra bids the asps to have at her, it is with the full expectation of meeting Antony again on the other side. Well, it was Mr. Shakespeare himself who said that the course of true love never did run smooth! (Bur this is a bit beyond merely “not smooth”!).

Mark Anthony is one of the title characters from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra, first printed in 1623. Mark Antony is one of the triumvirate which rules the Roman Empire after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Antony is a handsome man, a good citizen, a loyal friend. He is also, however, of a somewhat lazy bent, indolent, and with more than a passing eye for women. Antony has lately been spending all his time in Egypt, having an affair with its queen, Cleopatra, and becoming more and more debauched. Antony is aware of his failings, however, and when news comes from Rome that his wife has died and that Pompey is planning to overthrow the triumvirate, he responds to the call of duty. Although Cleopatra begs him to stay with her among the sensuous pleasures of Alexandria, Antony returns to reason, to duty, to Rome. He is prevailed upon to marry another of the triumvirate’s sister, Octavia, which he does without much enthusiasm. When a truce between Pompey and the triumvirate is broken by Octavian and Lepidus, Antony is furious and returns to Egypt. There, he has himself and Cleopatra crowned as rulers of Egypt, and prepares to go to war against Octavian. When Cleopatra withdraws her sea support, Antony loses to Octavian and vows to kill Cleopatra for her treachery. She, hearing this, sends word to Antony that she has killed herself, then confidently locks herself away to await his return. Antony, for his part, is so overcome by grief that he attempts to kill himself and is finally successful, dying in her arms. When Cleopatra bids the asps to have at her, it is with the full expectation of meeting Antony again on the other side. Well, it was Mr. Shakespeare himself who said that the course of true love never did run smooth! (Bur this is a bit beyond merely “not smooth”!).

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ANTONY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Antony


Popular Songs

ON ANTONY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Antony


Famous People

NAMED ANTONY

Antony Beevor (British historian)
Antony Gormley (British sculptor)
Antony Dupuis (French tennis player)
Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon (ex-husband of Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II)
Antony Hegarty (British musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ANTONY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Antony

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ANTONY

Born Marcus Antonius 83 years before Christ, Mark Antony is best known for his association with Cleopatra. He was a politician, a military general and a friend to Julius Caesar. He ruled the Roman Empire during the period of the Second Triumvirate. His political alliance broke up over a disagreement and he ultimately loses power. Mark Antony commits suicide by his sword believing that his beloved Cleopatra has already done the same, eager to join her in the afterlife. Their intense love story is famously depicted in Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra."

Born Marcus Antonius 83 years before Christ, Mark Antony is best known for his association with Cleopatra. He was a politician, a military general and a friend to Julius Caesar. He ruled the Roman Empire during the period of the Second Triumvirate. His political alliance broke up over a disagreement and he ultimately loses power. Mark Antony commits suicide by his sword believing that his beloved Cleopatra has already done the same, eager to join her in the afterlife. Their intense love story is famously depicted in Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra."

Born Marcus Antonius 83 years before Christ, Mark Antony is best known for his association with Cleopatra. He was a politician, a military general and a friend to Julius Caesar. He ruled the Roman Empire during the period of the Second Triumvirate. His political alliance broke up over a disagreement and he ultimately loses power. Mark Antony commits suicide by his sword believing that his beloved Cleopatra has already done the same, eager to join her in the afterlife. Their intense love story is famously depicted in Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra."