Marcoantonio is a combination of two given names, Marco and Antonio, both of which have their roots in ancient Roman culture. The name Marco is derived from the Roman name Marcus, which is believed to be related to the Roman god of war, Mars. It was a common name among Roman patrician families, particularly the gens Claudia.

Antonio, on the other hand, originates from the Roman family name Antonius, which is thought to be derived from the Latin word "antenus," meaning "priceless" or "inestimable." This name was borne by several notable figures in Roman history, including Mark Antony, the famous Roman politician and military leader who was a key figure in the Roman Republic's transition to the Roman Empire.

The combination of Marco and Antonio first appeared in Italy during the Renaissance period, when the revival of classical Greco-Roman culture and the rise of humanism led to a renewed interest in ancient Roman names. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marcoantonio can be found in the works of the Italian Renaissance poet and scholar, Angelo Poliziano (1454-1494), who mentioned a Marcoantonio in his writings.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marcoantonio. One of the most celebrated was Marcoantonio Raimondi (c. 1480-c. 1534), an Italian engraver and printmaker who was a pioneer of the reproductive print technique. Another famous Marcoantonio was Marcoantonio de Dominis (1560-1624), a Dalmatian Catholic bishop and scientist who made significant contributions to the study of optics and atmospheric phenomena.

In the realm of art, Marcoantonio Franceschini (1648-1729) was an Italian Baroque painter known for his religious works and frescoes adorning churches in Bologna and other parts of Italy. Marcoantonio Bragadin (c. 1528-1571) was a Venetian military leader and diplomat who gained notoriety for his heroic defense of Famagusta against the Ottoman Empire, which ultimately led to his brutal execution.

A more recent figure with this name was Marcoantonio Memmo (1736-1796), a Venetian nobleman and diplomat who served as the last Venetian ambassador to France before the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.