Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Athanasius

      Origin

      Greek

      Meaning

      Immortal

      Variations

      Athanasios, Athanasia, Thanasis
      The name Athanasius traces its origins to ancient Greece, where it was formed from two Greek words: athanatos, meaning immortal, and aner, meaning man. Athanasius is a compound name that embodies the concept of being immortal or deathless. In Greek mythology, immortality often symbolized a divine or god-like quality. Thus, the name Athanasius has been historically associated with strength, longevity, and endurance.

      In the realm of historical figures, Athanasius of Alexandria stands out as a prominent bearer of this name. He was a respected bishop and theologian who played a crucial role in shaping early Christianity. Athanasius actively defended the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy, emphasizing his belief that Jesus was of the same substance as God the Father. His steadfastness in defending this doctrine earned him the title Athanasius contra mundum (Athanasius against the world). Athanasius' influence on early Christian theology solidified his name's significance and immortalized his legacy.

      Even in modern times, the name Athanasius continues to be used, albeit less frequently. It has a characteristic resonance that makes it stand out among more common names. Parents who choose Athanasius for their children often wish to impart a sense of strength, resilience, and nobility. The name is particularly cherished within religious communities and among individuals seeking to connect with their Greek heritage. Its enduring presence is a testament to the timeless appeal and the meaningful message encapsulated by the name Athanasius.

      Based on our records...

      Carrington

      Carrington

      This is the most common surname associated with Athanasius.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Athanasius.
      Athanasius

      Athanasius

      This is the most common name for a child of a Athanasius.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1779 is when there were the most people born with the first name Athanasius.

      Explore the origins of another name.