Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Anton
BoyGerman, Slavic· “uncertain; form of Anthony”
- Meaning
- uncertain; form of Anthony (origin disputed)
- Origin
- German, Slavic
- Pronunciation
- AN-tahn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,389
- US babies 2025
- 132
- Best rank
- #171 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1915
Meaning and origin of Anton
Anton is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Anthony”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to German and Slavic roots.
Anton is a form of Anthony used in German, Russian, Scandinavian and several other European languages. It comes from the Roman family name Antonius, whose origin is uncertain; a popular link to the Greek word for flower is generally considered a later association. Anton Chekhov, the Russian playwright and short story writer, is one of its best-known bearers and the composer Anton Bruckner also carried it. The name is concise and strong, with an intellectual, European feel. It suits families who like classic names with a continental twist.
Popularity over time
Anton has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 135 different years. Its best national rank was #171 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1915, when 357 were named Anton. In 2025, 132 babies were named Anton, and it ranked #1,389 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #372 in 1920, #621 in 1950, #498 in 1980, #701 in 2000, #1,012 in 2010, and #1,389 in 2025. Of the 23,915 US boys named Anton since records began, 11% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,519 babies. Since 2010, 2,820 more have been named Anton.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Hyman, Cyril, Booker, Isadore, and Aloysius.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anton ranked highest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #573 | 8 |
| Minnesota | #815 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #919 | 8 |
| Virginia | #976 | 6 |
| Illinois | #1031 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Anton is usually pronounced AN-tahn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Anton
A few middle names that flow with Anton: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anton
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Lists that include Anton
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anton mean?
Anton is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Anthony”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to German and Slavic roots.
What is the origin of the name Anton?
Anton has German, Slavic, and Latin roots. Anton is a form of Anthony used in German, Russian, Scandinavian and several other European languages.
Is Anton a popular name?
Not especially. Anton ranked #1,389 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Anton a boy or girl name?
Anton is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Anton?
Anton is usually pronounced AN-tahn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings