Anton – Name Meaning
The name Anton is a boy’s name of German, Scandinavian, and Slavic origin meaning “beyond praise or invaluable”. It is derived from the Latin name Antonius, which was originally derived from the Greek name Antōnios. The name has been popular in Europe since the Middle Ages and is still widely used today.
History and Origin
The name Anton has its roots in Ancient Greece, where it was first used as a given name. It was derived from the Greek word “antōn”, which means “beyond praise or invaluable”. The Latin form of the name, Antonius, was popularized by Mark Antony, a Roman general who served under Julius Caesar. The name eventually spread to other parts of Europe and became popular in Germany, Scandinavia, and Slavic countries.
Popularity
The name Anton has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked #717 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It is also popular in many other countries around the world including Germany (#20), Sweden (#25), Norway (#30), Denmark (#37), Austria (#41), and Russia (#45).
Famous People Named Anton
There are many famous people who have borne the name Anton throughout history. These include:
- Anton Chekhov (1860-1904): Russian playwright and short story writer.
- Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894): Russian composer and pianist.
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723): Dutch scientist who discovered bacteria.
- Anton Bruckner (1824-1896): Austrian composer.
- Antonin Scalia (1936-2016): American Supreme Court Justice.
Variations of the Name
The name Anton can be spelled in various ways depending on language and culture. Some common variations include:
- Anthony (English)
- Antoine (French)
- Antonio (Italian/Spanish)
- Antons (Latvian)
- Antti (Finnish)
Conclusion
The name Anton is a timeless classic that has been around for centuries. Its meaning of “beyond praise or invaluable” makes it an excellent choice for any parent looking for a strong yet meaningful name for their child. With its increasing popularity around the world, it is sure to remain a favorite for years to come.
