Meaning & History
Antony is a given name that originated as a variant of Anthony. Historically, this spelling was the usual English form of the name until the 17th century, when the h was introduced under the mistaken belief that the name derived from Greek anthos meaning "flower." The name Antony ultimately traces back to the Roman family name Antonius, of uncertain Etruscan origin.
Etymology and History
The Roman family name Antonius is best known through Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), the 1st-century BC general and politician who ruled Rome jointly with Augustus. His romance with Cleopatra and eventual downfall were dramatized by Shakespeare in Antony and Cleopatra (1606). The name's spread in the Christian world owes much to Saint Anthony the Great (c. 251–356), an Egyptian hermit and founder of Christian monasticism, and later to Saint Anthony of Padua, a 13th-century Franciscan and patron saint of Portugal.
Cultural Significance and Usage
While Antony remains a common given name in English-speaking countries, its variant Antony is also widespread in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, and Sweden as a given name. As a surname, Antony derives from the same root. Modern bearers include the English photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones and several Brazilian footballers such as Antony Matheus dos Santos.
Key Facts
- Meaning: Variant of Anthony; ultimately from the Roman family name Antonius
- Origin: Latin (Roman) via Etruscan
- Type: Given name
- Usage Regions: English, Danish, Finnish, German, Norwegian, Swedish
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Antony (name)