Antonis: Name Meaning
The name Antonis is a Greek name, derived from the Latin name Antonius. It is a masculine given name and is most commonly found in Greece, Cyprus, and other countries with Greek populations. The meaning of the name Antonis is “priceless” or “invaluable”, which reflects its strong association with the Greek god Apollo.
Origin and History
The origin of the name Antonis can be traced back to Ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. He was also known as the god of truth and light. As such, his name was associated with qualities such as honesty, integrity, and wisdom. This connection between Apollo and the name Antonis has been maintained throughout history.
In addition to its association with Apollo, the name Antonis has also been linked to several other figures in Greek mythology. For example, it is believed that the name may have been derived from Antaeus, a giant who challenged Hercules to a wrestling match. It is also possible that it was derived from Antigone, a tragic heroine in Sophocles’ play of the same name.
Popularity
The popularity of the name Antonis has remained relatively consistent over time. According to data from BabyNames.com, it is currently ranked as the 5th most popular male baby name in Greece. It is also popular in other countries with large Greek populations such as Cyprus and Australia.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Antonis has grown outside of Greece as well. It has become increasingly popular in countries such as England and Canada due to its strong association with Apollo and other figures in Greek mythology.
Famous People Named Antonis
There are many famous people who have been given the name Antonis throughout history. Some notable examples include:
- Antonios Papadopoulos, a former Prime Minister of Greece (1989-1990)
- Antonis Samaras, a former Prime Minister of Greece (2012-2015)
- Antonis Remos, a popular Greek singer-songwriter
Conclusion
The name Antonis is an ancient Greek name that has been used for centuries. Its meaning reflects its strong association with Apollo and other figures in Greek mythology. The popularity of this name has remained consistent over time and it continues to be popular among people of all ages today.
