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Anthony

♂ Boy

Pronounced AN-thuh-nee /ˈænθəni/High

Meaning: Priceless; of inestimable worth — from the Roman family name AntoniusMedium

In 30 seconds: A grand Latin classic from the Roman family name Antonius. Anthony has ranked in the U.S. top 10 boys' names for over 60 years, a pillar of American naming tradition.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningPriceless; of inestimable worth — from the Roman family name Antonius
Peak year1990
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,432,718

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199018802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Anthony comes from the Roman family name Antonius, whose exact etymology is uncertain — it may relate to an Etruscan root. The name rose to prominence through Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius), Roman general and lover of Cleopatra. The early Christian Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251–356), founder of monasticism, and Saint Anthony of Padua, patron of lost things, helped spread the name across Catholic Europe.

Anthony has been one of the most consistently popular boys' names in the U.S. since at least the 1940s. It has ranked in the top 10 or near it for most of that period, reflecting its strong Catholic heritage and broad cross-cultural appeal. It is particularly popular in Italian-American and Latino communities.

Did you know? The h in Anthony is not original — it was inserted in the Renaissance by scholars who mistakenly thought the name came from Greek anthos (flower), giving it a silent letter that stuck.

Variations

AntonAntonioAntonyAntoine

Nicknames

TonyAnt

Famous Bearers

  • ★Anthony Hopkins (1937–)
    Welsh actor, Academy Award winner best known for The Silence of the Lambs.
  • ★Marc Anthony (1968–)
    American singer and actor, one of the best-selling tropical salsa artists of all time.

If you like Anthony…

Michael— equally dominant Catholic classic that has topped U.S. charts for decades
Joseph— Biblical/Catholic classic with the same timeless masculine authority
Vincent— Latin saint's name with the same strong Catholic heritage
Dominic— Latin saint's name with similar Catholic roots and modern appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Anthony mean?

Anthony derives from the Roman Antonius; it is often glossed as 'priceless' though the original etymology is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Anthony?

It's said AN-thuh-nee /ˈænθəni/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Anthony a boy or girl name?

Anthony is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Anthony?

Anthony has ranked in or near the U.S. top 10 boys' names for over 60 years, one of the most enduring American classics.