Antaeus, derived from Ancient Greek, is a rare and unique given name of unknown meaning. It is believed to have originated as a Latin adaptation of the Greek name 'Ἀνταῖος' (Antaios), which was borne by several figures in mythology. In Greek mythology, Antaeus was a giant who engaged travelers in contests of strength, requiring them to wrestle with him. He was invincible while touching his mother Earth, but defeated when Hercules lifted him off the ground and crushed him. The name has been used sparingly throughout history, contributing to its distinctive character.
The name Antaeus has seen a varied popularity over the years, with peaks in the early '80s and a notable resurgence in recent times (2012, 2017, 2022).