Antonina – Name Meaning
The name Antonina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which was derived from the Latin word for “priceless” or “invaluable”. The name has been popular in Europe since the Middle Ages and is still used today.
History and Origin
The name Antonina has its roots in Ancient Rome, where it was used as a family name by the Roman gens (clan) Antonia. The gens was one of the most prominent families in Rome during the Republic and Empire periods, with many members holding important political offices. The family was also known for its military prowess, with several members serving as generals in the Roman army.
The first recorded use of the name Antonina dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was used as a female form of the male name Antonius. It was popularized in Europe during the Middle Ages, when it became associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese saint who lived in the 13th century. Since then, it has been used throughout Europe and beyond.
Popularity
The name Antonina is not particularly common in modern times, but it does have some popularity in certain countries. In Italy, for example, it is ranked as the 545th most popular female name. In Spain, it is ranked at number 890. In France, it is ranked at number 1,837.
In the United States, however, Antonina is much less common. It is currently ranked at number 6,919 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names.
Famous People Named Antonina
There are several famous people who have borne the name Antonina over the years. These include:
- Antonina Zabinski, a Polish zookeeper who helped save hundreds of Jews during World War II;
- Antonina Kuznetsova, a Russian figure skater who won gold medals at both the 2006 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Olympics;
- Antonina Makarova, a Russian ballerina who performed with both the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre; and
- Antonina Shevchenko, an Ukrainian mixed martial artist who currently competes in UFC.
Conclusion
The name Antonina has a long history and carries with it associations with strength and courage. It is still used today throughout Europe and beyond, although it remains relatively uncommon in North America. Those named Antonina can take pride in their unique name and all that it stands for.