What does Antigone mean and where does it come from?
Antigone (Ἀντιγόνη) is an ancient Greek name, derived from the roots 'anti' meaning 'against' and 'gone' meaning 'birth' or 'daughter.' In Greek mythology, Antigone is a prominent figure, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. She is famous for her defiance in burying her brother Polynices contrary to
Cultural significance
Antigone has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of opposed to motherhood.
Peak popularity
Reached #5050 in 1975 — currently #12280 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Antigone?
Antigone works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Antigone Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Antigone Rose
Floral · soft ending
Antigone Mae
Sweet · timeless
Antigone Claire
French influence · crisp
Antigone Jane
Literary · strong
Antigone Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Antigone right now?
Falling — down 2548 spots — currently #12280 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12280 | 7 | ▼ down 2548 · -30% births |
| 2022 | #9732 | 10 | ▲ up 5760 · +100% births |
| 2021 | #15492 | 5 | ▼ down 1877 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #13615 | 6 | ▼ down 1573 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #12042 | 8 | ▲ up 447 |
| 2010 | #12489 | 8 | ▼ down 423 |
| 2005 | #12066 | 8 | ▼ down 3773 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #8293 | 10 | ▲ up 2255 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #10548 | 7 | ▼ down 3881 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #6667 | 10 | ▲ up 408 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #7075 | 9 | ▼ down 2025 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #5050 | 12 | — |
The story of Antigone
Antigone is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 358 total births recorded, Antigone remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5050 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12280 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Antigone in 1975:
Antigone by decade
Antigone peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 20 | |
| 1970s | 62 | |
| 1980s | 73 | |
| 1990s ★ | 86 | |
| 2000s | 61 | |
| 2010s | 50 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Antigone has only 358 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Antigone?
What names sound and feel like Antigone?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Antigone also consider these
How is Antigone written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Antigone
What does the name Antigone mean?
Antigone means "opposed to motherhood" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Antigone?
Antigone is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Antigone have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Antigone?
Antigone originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Antigone?
Antigone is a four-syllable name pronounced AE0 T IH1 G AH0 N IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Antigone?
Antigone pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.