Antônio is a name of Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin word "Antonius," which means "priceless" or "invaluable." The name has been widely used throughout the Portuguese-speaking world and has also gained popularity in other countries due to immigration patterns.
The name Antônio has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. It was initially a Roman family name, Antonius, which was believed to have been derived from the Latin word "antius," meaning "precious" or "priceless." The name was popular among the Roman aristocracy and was often associated with strength, valor, and nobility.
Throughout history, numerous notable individuals have borne the name Antônio. One of the most famous is Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar who became known for his powerful sermons and miracles. He is considered one of the most popular saints in history, and many places around the world are named after him.
In Portugal, Antônio is one of the most common names, with variations such as António, Antão, and Antõnio being widely used. The name has also spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, where it remains popular among families today.
Antônio is not just a name; it carries with it a sense of history, culture, and tradition that spans centuries and continents. Whether you're from Portugal or simply appreciate the beauty of its language and heritage, choosing Antônio as a name for your child is an excellent way to honor this rich legacy while also giving them a strong and meaningful identity.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Antonio has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States.
The earliest data available is from 1961, with 5 babies named Antonio being born that year. The number of births remained relatively low and stable for the next few years, fluctuating between 5 and 7 births per year until 1967 when there were 9 births.
However, there was a significant increase in popularity in 1969 with 13 babies named Antonio being born that year. This high number was maintained or exceeded in the following years, reaching a peak of 17 births in both 1971 and 1977.
After this peak, the popularity of the name started to decline gradually. From 1978 onwards, the number of births with the name Antonio ranged between 5 and 14 per year, with no clear upward or downward trend.
In the most recent years available (2004 and 2005), the number of births for the name Antonio dropped to 6 each year, indicating a further decrease in popularity compared to previous decades.
Overall, while the name Antonio has had periods of relative popularity, especially between the late 1960s and mid-1970s, it has not consistently remained among the most popular names. Out of the approximately 340 million people currently living in the United States, only about 339 babies were named Antonio since 1961, making it a relatively uncommon name overall.