Anthony means priceless — from the Roman family name Antonius. Mark Antony loved Cleopatra and lost an empire for her. Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost things. Anthony Bourdain travelled the world through its food. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's suffrage. The name carries Roman passion, saintly searching, and culinary adventure.
Latin Antonius (Roman family name, possibly meaning priceless)→English Anthony
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Latin roots
Anthony comes from the Roman family name Antonius, possibly meaning priceless. Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) was Julius Caesar's ally and Cleopatra's lover — their story is one of history's greatest romances and tragedies. Saint Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) is the patron saint of lost things. Anthony Bourdain (1956–2018) transformed food television into art. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's suffrage. The name has been in or near the US top 20 for decades.
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First recorded
Earliest known use: Ancient Rome — Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony, 83–30 BC); multiple saints named Anthony.
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Today
Anthony remains a beloved choice, ranking #38 in the US. 1,489,090 babies have been named Anthony since 1880.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Britannica, SSA data
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How popular is Anthony?
1990peak year
Anthony hit its high-water mark in 1990, when it became one of the country's most popular names — #15 nationally, with 25,087 babies given the name that year. It had been quietly building for over half a century before that, first appearing in records in 1880. Since the peak, the name has settled at in the top fifty (#38) today, averaging about 7,828 new babies per year. Anthony has been declining in recent years. Across all years on record, approximately 1,489,090 American babies have carried this name.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
Anthony's Life Path 3 is the communicator's number — communicating through food, love, and speeches. People named Anthony tend to be passionate, charismatic, and drawn to experiences that connect people.
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