Antoine

Antoine is a masculine given name of French origin. It is the French form of Antonius, a name from the Latin tradition that spread across Europe. In France and other French-speaking regions, Antoine has been used since the Middle Ages and remains common in contemporary naming.

Etymology and usage: The name derives from the Latin Antonius; its exact meaning is uncertain. It has given rise to several variants, such as Anton in other languages and Antoine’s French diminutives. In France, related forms include Antonin; informal forms include Tony. The name is often associated with saints named Antonius and with historical figures that promoted its popularity.

Notable individuals named Antoine include Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944), a French writer and aviator best known for The Little Prince; Antoine Lavoisier (1743–1794), a chemist often considered the father of modern chemistry; Antoine Griezmann (born 1991), a professional footballer; and Antoine Watteau (1684–1721), a key painter of the Rococo era.

In modern use, Antoine remains common in France and in French-speaking communities around the world. The name also appears in literature, film, and as a place name element in Francophone regions.