The name Anthony originated from the Roman family name Antonius. It is derived from the Greek word "anthropos", meaning "human being". The name first appeared in the 1st century BC, during the Roman Republic.

Anthony was a popular name among the Roman aristocracy, with several notable historical figures bearing this name. One of the most famous was Mark Antony, a Roman politician and military leader who lived from 83 BC to 30 BC. He was a close associate of Julius Caesar and later formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus.

Another early bearer of the name was Saint Anthony the Great, an Egyptian monk who lived from 251 AD to 356 AD. He is regarded as the founder of Christian monasticism and is venerated in various Christian traditions, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In the Middle Ages, the name Anthony gained popularity across Europe, particularly in Italy, France, and England. One notable figure was Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar who lived from 1195 to 1231. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is known as the patron saint of lost items.

During the Renaissance, the name Anthony was associated with several prominent figures in the arts and sciences. Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish painter who lived from 1599 to 1641, is renowned for his portraits of European aristocracy and influential figures of his time.

In more recent history, Anthony has remained a popular name worldwide. Some notable bearers include Anthony Burgess, an English writer and composer who lived from 1917 to 1993, best known for his novel "A Clockwork Orange". Anthony Hopkins, a Welsh actor born in 1937, is renowned for his performances in films such as "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Remains of the Day".