Etymology and Historical Roots Antons is a masculine given name predominantly used in Latvia, though it also has usage in Denmark, Greenland, and Sweden. It is derived as a short form of Antonius, a Roman family name of Etruscan origin. The ultimate root of the name is Anthony, the English form of Antonius. The name entered the Christian world through the veneration of Saint Anthony the Great, a 4th-century Egyptian hermit who was a foundational figure in Christian monasticism, and later Saint Anthony of Padua, a 13th-century Portuguese Franciscan who is the patron saint of Portugal. Despite this historical link, the name's spelling occasionally influenced by a common but incorrect association with the Greek word ἄνθος (anthos) meaning "flower", leading to the addition of the h in some variants. Cultural and Geographic Distribution In Latvia, Antons has been a traditional given name, often connected to the broader Baltic and Scandinavian naming culture, where names derived from Antonius and Anton are common. The name's short form status makes it informal yet distinct, fitting comfortably within Latvian onomastic patterns. It is cognate with forms like Antonis in Greek, Antoni in Polish, and Antonio in Italian, though Antons specifically reflects a typical Latvian adaptation following the local language's phonetic and inflectional norms. Surnames such as Antons, also appear across Northern Europe. Notable Bearers While the name is not widely known internationally, several notable Latvians bear it. In sports, Antons Jemeļins (born 1984) is a Latvian footballer known for his defensive roles, and Antons Kurakins (born 1990) also plays professional football. The religious sphere includes Antons Justs (1931–2019), a Roman Catholic bishop of the Jelgava Diocese. In business, Antons Sapriko (born 1980) is a notable Latvian entrepreneur. As a surname, Mārtiņš Antons (1888–1941) was a Latvian lawyer and politician active in the early 20th century. Meaning: Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, of Etruscan origin; linked to Saint Anthony through Christian tradition. Origin: Latvian short form of Antonius, related to English Anthony. Type: Given name (masculine). Usage Regions: Latvia (primarily), Denmark, Sweden, Greenland.