Anton is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Antonius. The name Antonius was originally a Roman gens or clan name, believed to have been brought into Rome by the Sabine people who settled there around the 7th century BC.
The meaning of the name Anton is generally considered to be "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy". This interpretation comes from the Latin word "antius", which means "precious" or "praiseworthy". The name has been popular throughout history, particularly among early Christians who adopted it as a means of honoring St. Antony the Great, an influential Christian ascetic and founder of monasticism.
Throughout history, Anton has been used by several notable figures, including Anton van Leeuwenhoek, the Dutch scientist and microscope innovator, and Anton Chekhov, the Russian playwright and short story writer. Today, Anton remains a popular name in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where it is often used as both a first and middle name.
In some languages, such as German and Swedish, Anton can also be derived from other names with similar meanings, such as Anthony or Antoine. Regardless of its origin, Anton has a strong and distinctive sound that makes it a memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a classic yet unique name.
The name Anton has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1880 and 1934, there were fewer than 77 births each year for boys named Anton. However, starting in 1935, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Anton, with the lowest being 92 births in 1948 and the highest being 332 births in 1995.
From 1975 onwards, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of the name Anton. In fact, between 1975 and 2022, there were over 23,655 boys named Anton born in the United States alone. This shows that while Anton may not have been a particularly popular name in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it has since gained popularity and continues to be a common choice for parents naming their sons today.
In recent years, the number of births for boys named Anton has remained relatively stable. Between 2005 and 2022, there were between 133 and 301 births each year for boys named Anton. This consistency in popularity indicates that Anton is a well-established name choice that continues to appeal to parents across different generations.
In conclusion, while the name Anton has had its ups and downs in popularity over the years, it has ultimately proven to be a enduring choice among American parents. With thousands of boys sharing this name today, Anton can certainly be considered a classic and timeless option for parents looking to give their son a strong and unique name.