Boys · #46 in 2025
Anthony: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- English form of Latin Antonius
- Meaning
- Uncertain; probably ultimately Etruscan
- Pronunciation
- AN-thuh-nee in much of American English; AN-tuh-nee also used
- Nickname options
- Tony, Ant
Origin and meaning
Anthony comes from the Roman family name Antonius, whose ultimate meaning is uncertain and probably Etruscan. Its H developed through an old association with a Greek word for flower, but that association does not establish the name's true origin.
U.S. popularity
Anthony ranked #46 for boys in the United States in 2025, with 5,967 boys given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #7, reached in 2007–2008. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Anthony feels familiar and substantial, with a gentle three-syllable rhythm. Tony offers a relaxed, friendly contrast to the full name. It suits parents who want a traditional choice with a clear everyday nickname and a little more length than two syllables.
Things to consider
The TH may be pronounced as TH or T depending on accent and family usage. Choose the form that sounds natural to you.
If you love Anthony, consider…
- Andrew: Shares the familiar opening and adaptable classic style.
- Alexander: Adds length and more nickname options.
- Joseph: Offers a steadier two-syllable alternative.
- Michael: Brings a similarly established full name.
- Christopher: Adds another traditional choice with short forms.
- Daniel: Softens the sound into a gentler classic.
- Adrian: Offers a more flowing, compact alternative.
- Antonio: Keeps the name family with a more open ending.