The surname Anta is believed to have its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain. The name can be traced back to medieval times, around the 12th to 13th century. Its etymological roots appear to come from the ancient Galician-Portuguese word "anta," meaning a dolmen or a type of megalithic tomb, indicative of ancestral ties to ancient stone constructions which were scattered across the landscape of Galicia and northern Portugal.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Anta appears in ecclesiastical documents from the early 14th century in Galicia. An example is the mention of Juan de Anta, who was recorded as a landowner in the vicinity of Santiago de Compostela around the year 1335. This suggests that individuals bearing the surname were likely involved in agrarian endeavors and possibly had some local influence.

The spelling of the surname has remained relatively consistent throughout history, though slight variations can be found in historical texts. For instance, Antas is occasionally seen as a plural form or as an adaptation in different regions. Despite these minor variations, the core structure of the surname has endured.

A notable figure bearing the surname Anta is Pedro Anta, a 16th-century Spanish navigator and explorer who participated in expeditions to the New World. His contributions to the mapping of parts of Central and South America are documented in maritime records from the period.

In the 17th century, another significant individual, María Anta, emerged as a prominent figure in the court of King Philip IV of Spain. Born in 1602 and passing away in 1678, she was known for her literary work and her role as a confidante of the queen, actively engaging in the cultural and political life of the Spanish court.

By the 18th century, the surname had spread further afield, reaching various parts of the Spanish colonies. One prominent example is Gregorio Anta, an early settler in what is now modern-day Argentina, around the 1740s. He was instrumental in establishing agricultural enterprises and became a respected community leader.

In the early 19th century, records show a diplomat named Francisco Anta, who represented Spanish interests in various European courts. He was born in 1785 and died in 1854, and his diplomatic service was notably influential during the Napoleonic Wars and subsequent reconfiguration of European borders.

The surname Anta, though not widespread, carries a deep historical significance, maintaining a presence across several centuries, often associated with individuals who played pivotal roles in their respective fields. This legacy underscores the surname's enduring connection to notable historical events and figures.