Antanas – Name Meaning
Antanas is a Lithuanian name derived from the Latin name Antonius, which means “beyond praise” or “invaluable.” It is also a variant of the Greek name Anthony, which has the same meaning. The name Antanas is popular in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well.
History and Origin
The origin of the name Antanas dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used as a given name for boys. It was derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which was derived from the Latin word “ante” meaning “before” or “in front of.” The name was popularized by Saint Anthony of Padua, who was born in Lisbon in 1195 and died in 1231. He was a Franciscan friar who became known for his preaching and miracles.
The name Antanas has been used in Lithuania since at least the 16th century. It is believed to have been brought to Lithuania by merchants from Germany and Poland. The popularity of the name increased during the 19th century when it became associated with Lithuanian independence movements.
Popularity
Antanas is a very popular name in Lithuania, where it ranks among the top 10 most common names for boys. It is also popular in other parts of Eastern Europe such as Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the United States as well.
Famous People Named Antanas
There are several famous people named Antanas, including:
- Antanas Mockus – former mayor of Bogota, Colombia
- Antanas Smetona – first president of independent Lithuania
- Antanas Sutkus – Lithuanian photographer
- Antanas Venclova – Lithuanian poet and essayist
