Antigonus – Name Meaning

The name Antigonus is of Greek origin and is derived from the Greek words “anti” meaning “against” and “gonos” meaning “birth.” The name can be translated to mean “born against,” or “born in opposition.” It is a masculine name that has been used throughout history as a given name for both men and women.

In Greek mythology, Antigonus was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and his fourth wife, Cleopatra. He was the half-brother of Alexander the Great and was known for his bravery and loyalty to his brother. He was also known for his military prowess and was appointed by Alexander as one of the generals in charge of conquering Persia.

The name Antigonus has been used throughout history as a given name for both men and women. In ancient Greece, it was often used as a title for kings or rulers. In modern times, it is still used as a given name but is more commonly seen as a surname.

Symbolism

The name Antigonus symbolizes strength, courage, loyalty, and determination. It is associated with those who are brave enough to stand up for what they believe in despite any opposition they may face. It also represents someone who is willing to take risks in order to achieve their goals.

Popularity

The name Antigonus is not particularly popular in the United States today. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked at number 8,945 in 2019. However, it does have some popularity in other countries such as Greece where it ranks at number 517.

Famous People Named Antigonus

There have been several famous people throughout history who have borne the name Antigonus including:

  • Antigonus I Monophthalmus: A Macedonian general who served under Alexander the Great and later became king of Macedonia.
  • Antigonus II Gonatas: The son of Demetrius I Poliorcetes who ruled over Macedonia from 277 BC until 239 BC.
  • Antigonus III Doson: The ruler of Macedonia from 229 BC until 221 BC.
  • Antigonus IV Epiphanes: The last ruler of the Antigonid dynasty who reigned over Syria from 175 BC until 164 BC.
  • Antigone: A character from Greek mythology who defied her uncle’s orders to leave her brother’s body unburied.

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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