Declining since 1995, #1,388 for boys today.
Popularity of Anton since 1880
Babies named Anton per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Anton's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 674 |
| 1890s | 589 |
| 1900s | 537 |
| 1910s | 2,486 |
| 1920s | 2,049 |
| 1930s | 1,258 |
| 1940s | 1,127 |
| 1950s | 1,284 |
| 1960s | 1,536 |
| 1970s | 2,089 |
| 1980s | 2,367 |
| 1990s | 2,519 |
| 2000s | 2,580 |
| 2010s | 1,998 |
| 2020s | 822 |
Meaning & origin
Anton is a name with a long history, derived from the Roman family name Antonius. Its popularity in the United States peaked in 1880, when it ranked 1388th, and it has been in decline since 1995. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 12,940 boys, making it a relatively rare choice. Historically, Anton has been most common in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Virginia, reflecting its popularity among communities with German, Slavic, or Scandinavian heritage. The name carries a dignified, classic feel without being overly common, appealing to parents who favor traditional names with a European flair.
Anton is a short form of Anthony, derived from the Roman family name Antonius. The name's meaning is debated; it is often associated with the Greek word 'anthos' (flower) or more commonly accepted as 'priceless' or 'invaluable.' Anton has been used across Europe, particularly in Slavic and Germanic regions, as a given name since medieval times.
Where Anton is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Anton” around the world
Where Anton lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
125
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tony, Antoshka, Antek
Variants: Antoni, Antón, Antoon
Sibling names for Anton
Names that share Anton's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Anton
Names whose popularity has moved with Anton's over the last 50 years.
