Anthony
/ˈænθəni/
noun
Origin
Etruscan
Antóni — Unknown; possibly a pre-Roman gentilic name
Overview
Meaning Now
- A male given name of Latin origin.
Literal older meaning
Inestimable or priceless one
Language path
Etruscan → Latin → English
Earliest form
Antonius
Earliest period
1st century BC
Journey
The name Anthony became widely popular throughout Christendom due to the veneration of Saint Anthony the Great, an Egyptian hermit considered the father of monasticism, and later Saint Anthony of Padua.
Evolution
- 1st century BC Latin
Antonius
“Roman family name”
The Roman gens Antonia claimed descent from Anton, a son of Hercules.
- Late Latin
Anthonius
“Given name”
Spelling influenced by the erroneous association with the Greek word anthos (flower).
- Middle English
Antony
“Given name”
Early anglicized form.
- 17th century English
Anthony
“Given name”
The 'h' was inserted in the spelling to match the Greek-influenced Anthonius.
Connections
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.