Find out how popular the first name Anatoly has been for the last 25 years (from 1998 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anatoly by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Anatoly is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Anatoly.

The history of the first name Anatoly

The name Anatoly has its origins in the Greek language and culture. It is derived from the Greek word "anatolikos," which means "eastern" or "rising." This name was initially given to individuals born in the eastern regions of the Greek world or to those whose births coincided with the rising of the sun.

In the early Christian era, Anatoly gained popularity as a name for male children, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It was associated with the concept of new beginnings and the symbolism of the rising sun, which held spiritual significance in various religious teachings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Anatoly can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who lived from 428 BC to 348 BC. Plato mentioned an individual named Anatolius in his work "The Republic," although it is unclear whether this was a real person or a fictional character.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Anatoly. One of the most prominent was Anatoly Lunacharsky (1875-1933), a Russian revolutionary, critic, and the first Soviet People's Commissar of Enlightenment (minister of education and culture) after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.

Another famous Anatoly was Anatoly Karpov (born in 1951), a Soviet and Russian chess grandmaster who was the official World Chess Champion from 1975 to 1985. He was renowned for his strategic skills and endurance in marathon chess matches.

Anatoly Vasiliev (1942-2021) was a distinguished Russian actor and director who gained international recognition for his performances in films such as "Siberiade" and "The Dawns Here Are Quiet."

In the realm of literature, Anatoly Rybakov (1911-1998) was a prominent Soviet and Russian writer known for his historical novels, including the acclaimed "Children of the Arbat" trilogy, which depicted life in Moscow during the Stalinist era.

Lastly, Anatoly Alekseyev (1935-2019) was a legendary Soviet and Russian weightlifter who set numerous world records and won Olympic gold medals in 1972 and 1976. He was considered one of the greatest weightlifters of all time and was renowned for his incredible strength and dedication to the sport.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Anatoly throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence across various cultures and disciplines.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Anatoly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anatoly, please contact us.

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