Anthony is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Antoninus. The name Antoninus is believed to have been derived from the Latin word 'antiochus', which means 'opposite' or 'against'. It is also thought that the name may have originated from the Greek name Antipater, which means 'against all'.
The name Anthony gained popularity during the Middle Ages through the use of St. Anthony of Padua, an Italian priest and Doctor of the Church. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 and became one of the most revered saints in history. His feast day is celebrated on June 13th.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Anthony. Some examples include:
* Saint Anthony of Egypt, an early Christian monk who founded the Antonian order.
* Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish painter known for his portraits and religious works during the Baroque period.
* Anthony Eden, British Conservative politician and Prime Minister from 1955 to 1957.
Today, Anthony remains a popular name worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with strength, courage, and wisdom due to its historical figures.
Between the years of 1988 and 1990, there were a total of 10 babies born in the United States with the name Anthony. This means that on average, approximately five boys named Anthony were welcomed into families each year during this two-year period.