The name Marcanthony is a combination of the masculine given names Marcus and Antony, both of which have their origins in ancient Rome. Marcus was derived from the Roman family name Martius, which was associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. It was a popular name among the ancient Romans and was borne by several notable historical figures.

Antony, on the other hand, was the Roman form of the Greek name Antonios, which meant "priceless" or "invaluable." This name gained particular prominence due to the famous Roman general and statesman Mark Antony, who was a key figure in the Roman Republic's transition into an empire.

While the name Marcanthony itself does not appear to have been used in ancient times, it likely emerged as a combination of these two names during the Renaissance period, when there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the revival of ancient Roman names.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Marcanthony dates back to the 16th century, when it was borne by Marcantonio Raimondi, an Italian engraver and printmaker who was renowned for his reproductions of works by Raphael and other Renaissance artists. He lived from circa 1480 to circa 1534.

Another notable Marcanthony in history was Marcantonio Colonna, an Italian naval commander who played a crucial role in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which was a decisive victory for the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. He lived from 1535 to 1584.

In the realm of literature, Marcantonio Flaminio, an Italian poet and humanist, was a prominent figure during the Renaissance. He lived from 1498 to 1550 and is known for his Latin poetry and translations of the Psalms into Italian.

Marcantonio Vigarani, an Italian architect and engineer, made significant contributions to the field of theatrical design and stage machinery in the 17th century. He lived from 1610 to 1678 and worked on various projects for the Medici family in Florence.

Lastly, Marcantonio Franceschini was an Italian painter active in the Baroque period, known for his religious works and frescoes. He lived from 1648 to 1729 and worked in Bologna and other Italian cities.

These examples illustrate the historical presence of the name Marcanthony, primarily in Italian contexts, and its association with notable individuals in various fields, from the arts and literature to military and engineering.