Antonio
/ænˈtoʊni.oʊ/
noun
Origin
Latin
Antonius — Roman family name
Overview
Meaning Now
- A masculine given name of Latin origin, common in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures.
Literal older meaning
Derived from the Roman family name Antonius; etymological meaning is uncertain, potentially 'inestimable' or 'flower'.
Language path
Etruscan → Latin → Italian/Spanish
Earliest form
Antonius
Earliest period
Roman Republic
Journey
The name became exceptionally popular throughout Christendom due to the veneration of Saint Anthony the Great (3rd-4th century) and later Saint Anthony of Padua (13th century). The name's original Etruscan etymology is obscure, but it gained a false but persistent association with the Greek word 'anthos' (flower).
Evolution
- Classical Latin
Antonius
“Roman nomen”
The clan name of the Gens Antonia.
- Late Latin
Antonius
“Masculine name”
Associated via folk etymology with Greek 'anthos' (flower).
- Medieval Italian/Spanish
Antonio
“Masculine name”
Loss of the Latin nominative suffix -us.
Connections
Related across languages
French
Antoine
Masculine name
Portuguese
Antônio
Masculine name
German
Anton
Masculine name
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.