Last Name Anthenor

The surname Anthenor is of Greek origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek personal name Anthenor, which means "flower-born." This name appears in Greek mythology, where Anthenor was a Trojan prince, son of King Priam and Hecabe, and husband to Eurydice. The name gained popularity as a surname among the Greeks and later spread to other countries due to migration and cultural influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anthenor

The meaning and origin of the last name Anthenor

The surname Anthenor is of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek name Aethonor or Athénor. It is believed to be a compound name, with "aetho" meaning "shining" and "nor" meaning "man." This name could have been given to someone who was considered shining or radiant like the sun. The use of this surname can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was commonly given to individuals as a personal name. However, with migrations and cultural shifts over centuries, many Greek names, including Anthenor, became surnames in various countries around the world. Today, the surname Anthenor is found in several parts of the world, particularly among those with Greek ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anthenor

The surname Anthenor is predominantly found in regions with Portuguese and Brazilian heritage due to its origins from the medieval Iberian peninsula. In Portugal, it is most common in the districts of Leiria, Setúbal, and Coimbra, reflecting a historical concentration in these areas. Beyond Portugal, a significant number of individuals bearing the name Anthenor can be found in Brazil, particularly in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, suggesting migration from Portugal during colonial times and subsequent population growth. Additionally, the name has been traced to the French region of Brittany due to historical connections between the two regions. The Anthenor surname is less common but can be found in other parts of the world as a result of Portuguese and Brazilian immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anthenor

Anthenor is primarily a surname, originating from ancient Greek mythology where Antenor was a Trojan prince. In terms of its modern variations and spellings, some common ones include: Anthénor, Anthéner, Anthenör, Anthenner, Antonor, Antinor, Antanor, and Antenoor.

The name has undergone several transformations over the centuries due to linguistic influences and regional dialects. For instance, in French-speaking countries, it might be spelled Anthénor or Anthéner. In some cases, variations like Antonor or Antinor could arise from phonetic transliterations or simplifications of the original Greek name.

It is also worth noting that the name can occasionally be found as a given name in various languages and cultures, leading to additional variations when used as a surname by descendants. For example, if a person named Antenor immigrated to an English-speaking country from a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking one, his surname might appear as Antenor, Anténor, or any of the other variations mentioned above.

In summary, the name Anthenor and its variations have a rich history and are found in multiple countries, reflecting both its ancient origins and the diverse linguistic influences that have shaped its modern forms.

Famous people with the last name Anthenor

Antenor is a surname of ancient Greek origin, associated with prominent figures from mythology and history. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Antenor, a Trojan hero and architect, mentioned in Homer's Iliad. He was renowned for his wisdom and played a crucial role in the Trojan War by persuading the Greeks to spare Troy in exchange for the return of Helen.

In modern times, Antenor Jonhson (1875-1956) was an influential Brazilian composer, music educator, and conductor. Known as "the father of samba," he is credited with popularizing this genre on a national level through his compositions and performances.

Another notable individual is Antenor Navas (born 1946), a Brazilian politician who served as the governor of Bahia from 2003 to 2010. He was instrumental in implementing social policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving education in his state.

Genealogical research on the last name Anthenor

Anthenor is an ancient Greek surname that originated from the mythological hero Antenor, who was a Trojan prince and a skillful craftsman. The name has been traced back to the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in France and England. In France, the name evolved into Anthéor, Anthéus, and other variants. One notable individual with the surname Anthenor is Jean Anthenor (1684-1763), a French engraver known for his works on coins and medals during the reign of Louis XIV and XV. In England, the name has been documented since the 15th century, particularly in the county of Kent. The Anthenor family is believed to have originated from the town of Ashford. Today, the surname Anthenor can be found across the English-speaking world, with notable concentrations in the United States and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "anthenor"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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