What is the origin of the last name Antoni?

The surname Antoni has roots in various European countries, but it is most commonly associated with regions that were once under Polish influence, such as Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania. In these areas, the name Antoni is a variant of the given name Anthony, which originated from the Greek Anthōnios, meaning "priceless one" or "flowering." The surname may have developed as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the father's given name. However, it is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and it is always possible for the name to have different roots in various regions.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Antoni

The meaning and origin of the last name Antoni

The surname Antoni is of Latin origin, derived from the given name Antonius, which was popular among early Christians due to several notable figures bearing that name in the Bible and early Christian history. The name Antonius itself comes from the Roman family name Antonius, which is thought to have been derived from an ancient Roman clan name Antonia. Over time, as Latin names became common in various regions, the surname Antoni emerged as a variation, particularly among Slavic populations. In modern times, it is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, with notable concentrations in Poland, where it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Antoni

The surname Antoni has a significant presence predominantly in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, where it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames. It is also prevalent in Ukraine and Lithuania, reflecting historical cultural ties between these regions. Smaller populations of people with the last name Antoni can be found in other European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Romania. In North America, the name Antoni is most common in countries with large Polish immigrant populations, including the United States and Canada. There are also communities of people with the surname Antoni in South America, Africa, and Australia, primarily due to diaspora from Europe over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Antoni

The surname Antoni can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Here are some common forms:

* Antonie (German)
* Antony (English)
* Anton (German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian)
* Anthoni (Dutch, German, Swedish, Norwegian)
* António (Portuguese)
* Antonio (Spanish, Italian, Filipino, Greek, Polish, Romanian)
* Toni (a common nickname for the above variants)

These variations stem from the Latin name Antonius, which was derived from the Roman family name Antonius, a cognomen meaning "priceless" or "invaluable." The surname has been widely distributed among different cultures throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Antoni

Among the notable individuals with the surname Antoni, one of the most recognized is Yara Shahidi, an American actress and activist. Born in 1997, she gained fame for her roles as Zoey Johnson on ABC's "Black-ish" and its spin-off, "Grown-ish." Additionally, she is known for her advocacy work focusing on social justice issues, education, and empowering youth voices.

In the world of art, there is Nelson Antoni, a Spanish artist known for his multidisciplinary approach to creating installations that explore themes related to identity, memory, and cultural heritage. He has exhibited his works in numerous international venues.

Another prominent figure is the late Polish-American physicist Leo Antoni Kadanoff, who made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the study of complex systems. His work on cellular automata, spatial patterns, and self-organized criticality has been widely influential.

Genealogical research on the last name Antoni

The surname Antoni is of Polish and Spanish origin. In Poland, it derives from the given name Antonius, which was popularized by Saint Anthony of Padua. The name spread throughout Eastern Europe due to the influence of the Knights Hospitaller, who brought the name with them during their crusades in the Middle Ages. In Spain, Antoni is a common variation of the name Juan, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan (John). It's believed that the Spanish explorers and colonists introduced the surname to various parts of the Americas, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The most common variations include Anton, Antonie, Antoniou, Anthonis, and Antonov. Notable individuals with this surname include Polish painter Wojciech Antoni Gerson, Spanish composer Antonio Vivaldi, and Filipino politician Lorenzo Tanada.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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