Antoine is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the name "Antonius," which was originally a Roman family name. The name Antonius is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "annes," meaning "priceless" or "venerable."
The name Antoine has a rich history and has been widely used throughout Europe for centuries. It was particularly popular among French nobility during the Middle Ages, with several kings of France bearing the name Antoine.
One of the most famous historical figures named Antoine is Saint Anthony of Padua, who was an Italian Franciscan friar and theologian from the 13th century. He is revered as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on June 13th.
In literature, Antoine has also been used as a character name in several works, such as "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas and "Antoine and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare. These uses further contribute to the name's enduring popularity and cultural significance.
Today, Antoine remains a popular given name for boys, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. It is often paired with middle names such as Jean or Marie, reflecting its longstanding tradition and cultural heritage. Despite its historical roots, the name Antoine continues to feel fresh and modern, appealing to parents who seek a classic yet timeless name for their sons.
The name Antoine experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. In the late 19th century, it ranged between 5 to 14 births per year. However, starting around 1957, there was a sharp increase, peaking at 692 births in 1977. This high popularity persisted until the late 1980s, after which it began to decline steadily, reaching as low as 108 births in 2022. Overall, from 1882 to 2023, there were a total of 27,084 babies named Antoine at birth.