Anatoly is a masculine given name of Slavic origin, particularly from Russia and other Eastern European countries. It is derived from the Greek word "ἀνάθημα" (anathêma), which means "offering" or "sacrifice". In the Orthodox tradition, Anatoly is often associated with Saint Anatoly, a martyr who was burned at the stake during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians.
The name Anatoly has been used in Russia and other Slavic countries for centuries. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages as many people were named after saints in honor of their faith and devotion. Today, Anatoly remains a popular choice among parents in Russia and other Eastern European nations.
In English-speaking countries, Anatoly is less commonly heard but has been used occasionally throughout history. Some notable individuals who bear this name include Russian chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov and Ukrainian-born American mathematician Anatoly Katok. Despite its relative rarity outside of Slavic regions, the name Anatoly carries a rich historical and cultural significance that continues to captivate people around the world.
The name Anatoly has seen a consistent presence in the United States over the past two decades, with a total of 27 births recorded since 1998. While there have been fluctuations in the number of newborns bearing this name each year, it appears that Anatoly has maintained a steady level of popularity during this period.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name Anatoly was given to six babies per year on average. This trend continued into the mid-2000s, with five births in 2005. The name's popularity appeared to increase slightly after a decade-long gap, as six newborns were named Anatoly in 2015. Most recently, in 2022, there were once again five babies born with the name Anatoly.
Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Anatoly has maintained a consistent level of popularity among parents in the United States over the past two decades. With a total of 27 births recorded since 1998, Anatoly remains a recognizable and enduring name choice for parents looking to honor their newborn sons with a distinctive and meaningful name.