Anthony, a timeless and classic name, has graced countless birth certificates in the United States since record-keeping began in 1900. Sharing the stage with popular names like James and John, Anthony possesses a unique appeal, managing to be both familiar and not overly ubiquitous. Its roots trace back to the Greek name Antonius, though the precise meaning of Anthony remains shrouded in mystery.
A Name Echoing Through History
The history of the name Anthony is rich and captivating, populated by figures ranging from the iconic Roman general Mark Antony to the celebrated actor Anthony Hopkins. Adding to its allure, Anthony is also a saint’s name, associated with Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost and stolen items. As a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony is revered for his powerful sermons and enduring wisdom.
Global Connections and Variations
While its origins lie in Latin, Anthony has a strong connection to Italian communities in America, where the nickname "Tony" is prevalent. The name also boasts a variety of spellings and forms across the globe, including Antonio, Anton, and Antoine. Furthermore, it has a beautiful feminine counterpart in the name Antonia.
Romantic and Strong
Anthony is considered inherently romantic, a notable trait for a masculine name. While undeniably strong, the name carries a gentle quality. Its association with poets and authors suggests a potential for eloquence and a gift for words.
Anthony Name Popularity
Anthony has consistently been a popular name in the United States. Let’s delve into its historical popularity based on Social Security Administration (SSA) data.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 37 | 936 | 0.2658% |
| 1950 | 36 | 8,622 | 0.5355% |
| 1960 | 25 | 19,498 | 1.0291% |
| 1970 | 22 | 21,188 | 1.3314% |
| 1980 | 24 | 17,613 | 1.2046% |
| 1990 | 15 | 25,075 | 1.5129% |
| 2000 | 17 | 19,648 | 1.2862% |
| 2010 | 10 | 15,487 | 1.0747% |
| 2020 | 40 | 6,891 | 0.5414% |
| 2023 | 46 | 6,258 | 0.4835% |
The data illustrates Anthony’s rise to prominence in the mid-20th century, peaking in the late 1980s and early 2000s, before experiencing a gradual decline in recent years. Despite this, Anthony remains a well-recognized and respected name.
Names Like Anthony
If Anthony resonates with you, consider these similar names:
Diminutives: Andy, Tony, Toney, Toni, Twan
Variants: Andon, Anntoin, Antal, Anthone, Anthoney, Antin, Antino, Antoine, Anton, Antone, Antonello, Antoney, Antoni, Antonije, Antonin, Antonino, Antonio, Antonius, Antons, Antony, Antuan, Antun, Antuwan, Antuwon, Antwahn, Antwan, Antwohn, Antwoin, Antwoine, Antwon, Antwone, Antwuan, Teunis, Thonus.
Sound-Alike Names: Anakin, Anders, Anderson, Andre, Andrew, Angelo, Angus.
Similar Names: Alexander, Christopher, Dante, Henry, James, John, Leonardo, Lucas, Maxwell, William.
Sibling Names
Parents who choose the name Anthony often select these names for their other children: Edith, Rosemary, Alfred, Evangeline, Braxton, Dylan, Ananias, Zaria.
This combination of classic appeal, historical significance, and a touch of romance makes Anthony a name that continues to resonate with parents today.