Anthony Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation
Anthony comes from the old Roman family name Antonius, whose original meaning is genuinely uncertain, with “priceless” or “worthy of praise” being the most commonly cited popular interpretations rather than a settled etymology.
| Meaning | uncertain etymology; commonly cited popular interpretations include priceless and worthy of praise |
| Origin | Roman (Latin), from the family name Antonius |
| Pronunciation | AN-thuh-nee |
| Gender | Boy |
| Related forms | Antonio (Spanish/Italian form), Antoine (French form), Anton (Germanic/Slavic form) |
Origin and history
Anthony descends from Antonius, an old Roman family name whose deeper meaning is not definitively established by linguists, unlike names with a clear single-word Hebrew or Greek root. The “h” in the English spelling was added later, based on a mistaken belief that the name related to the Greek word “anthos,” meaning flower, a connection modern scholarship does not support. Despite that, the name has stayed enormously popular across Western languages for centuries, largely through its association with historical figures like Mark Antony and Saint Anthony of Padua.
Is Anthony a boy or girl name?
Anthony is used almost exclusively as a boy’s name.
Names similar to Anthony
- Antonio (Spanish/Italian form)
- Antoine (French form)
- Anton (Germanic/Slavic form)
Frequently asked questions
Why does Anthony have a silent “h” that doesn’t appear in related names like Antonio?
The “h” was added into English spelling based on a mistaken historical belief linking the name to the Greek word for flower. Modern scholarship doesn’t support that connection, but the spelling stuck.
What does Anthony actually mean?
There’s no single settled answer. Its root, the Roman name Antonius, has an uncertain etymology, so naming references generally offer “priceless” or “worthy of praise” as commonly cited interpretations rather than a definitive translation.
Related reading
Parent hub: name meanings.