A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Antwane since 1969
Babies named Antwane per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Antwane's real moment was 1978.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 222 |
| 1980s | 281 |
| 1990s | 175 |
| 2000s | 122 |
| 2010s | 56 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Antwane is a distinctive given name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1969, reflecting the creative naming traditions that flourished in African American communities during the late 20th century. Its peak came in 1978, when it ranked higher than at any time before or since. After a period of decline, the name has shown signs of revival, rising in usage since 2018. In 2025, it ranked 9,714th in popularity, with roughly 1 in every 244,011 newborn boys receiving the name. Though no single state registered Antwane as a top-100 name, its geographic footprint is broad, consistent with names that are relatively uncommon but known across the country. Antwane's construction mirrors other blended names of its era, such as Antwan and DeShawn, and it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with contemporary roots and a rhythmic, familiar sound.
Antwane is a modern coinage, primarily used among African American families, that emerged in the late 1960s. It is formed by combining the opening element 'Ant-' (as in Anthony, Antoine) with the '-wane' suffix popularized by names like Dwayne and Lashawn. The name does not have a traditional etymological meaning in the usual sense but is a creative blend reflecting naming trends of the era.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ant, Tony, Wane
Sibling names for Antwane
Names that share Antwane's style, for a brother or sister.
