Antoine – Name Meaning
The name Antoine is of French origin and is derived from the Latin name Antonius. It is a masculine given name, and it means “invaluable” or “priceless”. The name has been popular in France since the Middle Ages, and it was also used in England during the 17th century.
History of the Name
The name Antoine has its roots in Ancient Rome, where it was used as a nickname for Antonius, a Roman family name. The Antonius family was one of the most powerful families in Rome during the time of Julius Caesar. The name was later adopted by French royalty and nobility, and it became popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
In France, Antoine was often used as a first or middle name for boys born into noble families. It was also used as a surname by some families. During the 17th century, Antoine became popular in England as well, where it was often spelled Anthony.
Popularity
Today, Antoine is still a popular name in France and other French-speaking countries. It is also common in English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among African-American parents.
According to Social Security Administration data from 2019, Antoine ranked at #717 on the list of most popular baby boy names in the United States. This makes it one of the more uncommon names for boys in America today.
Famous People Named Antoine
There are many famous people who have borne the name Antoine throughout history. Some notable examples include:
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer best known for his novella The Little Prince (1943).
- Antoine Lavoisier, an 18th-century French chemist who is considered to be the father of modern chemistry.
- Antoine Walker, an American professional basketball player who played for 12 seasons in the NBA.
Conclusion
The name Antoine is steeped in history and carries with it a sense of nobility and prestige. It is still widely used today and continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their son.
