Antônio

Antônio is a masculine given name used in Portuguese-speaking countries. It is the Portuguese form of Anthony, which traces back to the Latin name Antonius. The name is widespread in Brazil and Portugal and remains common in other Lusophone communities around the world. Spelling and pronunciation vary by region: Antônio is common in Brazil, while António is standard in Portugal, both reflecting the same root and typically pronounced with stress on the second syllable.

In usage, Antônio appears across generations and social contexts, from religious and historical figures to contemporary public life. The name’s long association with Saint Anthony of Padua and other early Christian figures has contributed to its enduring popularity in Catholic cultures.

Diminutives and related forms include Toninho as a common affectionate variant in Brazilian Portuguese. In non-Portuguese contexts, the name may appear as Antonio or Anthony, adapted to local orthography and pronunciation.

Notable people named Antônio include Antônio Carlos Jobim, Brazilian composer and a key figure in the creation of Bossa Nova; Antônio Conselheiro, a 19th-century Brazilian religious leader associated with the Canudos revolt; Antônio Fagundes, a Brazilian actor; and Antônio Carlos Magalhães, a Brazilian politician who held multiple public offices. The name remains a staple in Portuguese-speaking societies and continues to be chosen for boys in many regions around the world.