Antoninus – Name Meaning
The name Antoninus is a Latin name derived from the Roman family name Antonius. It is a combination of two words, “anton” meaning “priceless” and “inus” meaning “of or belonging to”. The name was popularized by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, who reigned from 161-180 AD.
The name Antoninus has been used throughout history as a given name for both men and women. It has also been used as a surname in some cases. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a title for members of the nobility or clergy.
The meaning of the name Antoninus is generally interpreted as “priceless one” or “belonging to the priceless one”. This could refer to someone who is highly valued or esteemed, or someone who is considered to be invaluable. It could also be seen as a reference to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, whose reign was marked by peace and prosperity.
Popularity
The name Antoninus has been used throughout history but has never been particularly popular in any given era. It has never appeared in the top 1000 most popular names in the United States, although it did appear briefly in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In recent years, however, there has been an increase in its usage due to its association with the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. As such, it is becoming more common among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
Famous People Named Antoninus
There have been several notable people throughout history who have borne the name Antoninus. These include:
- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus: The Roman Emperor who reigned from 161-180 AD and was known for his philosophical writings.
- Antoninus Pius: The Roman Emperor who reigned from 138-161 AD and was known for his peaceful rule.
- Antoninus of Florence: A 15th century Italian theologian and philosopher.
- Antoninus of Sorrento: An 11th century Italian monk and saint.
Conclusion
The name Antoninus is a Latin name derived from the Roman family name Antonius. Its literal meaning is “priceless one” or “belonging to the priceless one”, which could refer to someone who is highly valued or esteemed. The name has been used throughout history but has never been particularly popular in any given era. However, it has recently become more common due to its association with the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.
