Antonio is a popular and traditional masculine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which was widespread in ancient Rome. The name Antonius is believed to have been borne by an Etruscan god called Anthanos.
The meaning of Antonio is associated with several interpretations. One common interpretation is that it means "priceless" or "inestimable," which reflects the high regard and esteem given to individuals bearing this name. Another interpretation suggests that Antonio may mean "to be pruned" or "to flourish," relating to the Latin word "antonius," which refers to a type of flowering shrub.
The name Antonio has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), an Italian Franciscan friar and theologian who is regarded as one of the Catholic Church's most powerful preachers. His fame and influence have contributed to the widespread use of the name Antonio in various cultures around the world.
The name Antonio has also been adopted by numerous people throughout history, including artists, politicians, and scientists. Some well-known individuals with this name include Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), an Italian Baroque composer; Antonio Salazar (1883-1970), a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 1932 to 1968; and Antonio José Rodrigues (1810-1877), a Brazilian poet, journalist, and diplomat.
Today, Antonio remains a popular choice for parents around the world looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their sons. Its timeless appeal and rich history make it an attractive option for families seeking a meaningful and elegant name for their children.
Here are some observations about the statistics for the name Antonio:
- In the late 19th century (1880-1900), there was a gradual increase in births with the name Antonio, ranging from 26 to 74 births per year.
- The biggest leap occurred between 1900 and 1902, with an increase from 52 to 96 births in just two years.
- The period from 1903 to 1970 saw a steady rise in the popularity of the name Antonio, with notable spikes in the late 1940s and throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
- The peak for this name occurred in 1970 with 2743 births. This was almost three times the number of births recorded in the previous year (1969) and remained the highest figure until it was surpassed by 1985's total.
- After 1970, there were fluctuations in popularity, but overall, Antonio remained a popular name throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century, with consistent annual totals ranging between approximately 2000 to 4000 births.
- Since around 2008, there has been a decline in the number of babies named Antonio, with recent years (2020-2023) seeing fewer than 2150 births annually.