Antonas / Anton / Anthony / Antoni / Antonio

Antonas is a Lithuanian and Greek form of the Roman family name Antonius. The Antonius gens was a prominent plebeian family in ancient Rome, with its members holding various high offices. The most famous member was Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), the Roman politician and general. The name's popularity spread throughout the Roman Empire and subsequently into various European languages, evolving into different forms.

The etymology of Antonius is debated, but the most widely accepted theory links it to the ancient Greek word 'anthos' meaning 'flower' or 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'in return for'. However, a more common interpretation, especially in later periods, connects it to the Etruscan root 'ant-' meaning 'priceless' or 'inestimable'. This meaning has largely been adopted for the name's various forms.