Antigone

Meaning of Antigone

Antigone originates in classical Greek, combining anti “in place of” and gone “woman, mother,” a compound often interpreted as “in place of a mother” or “worthy of one’s mother.” It is most famously borne by the tragic heroine of Sophocles’ Theban trilogy, whose steadfast commitment to familial duty and legal principle has cemented the name’s association with moral resistance. Rendered in English as an-TIG-uh-nee (/ænˈtɪɡəni/), Antigone remains exceptionally rare in the United States, where it has hovered in the mid-900s of the Social Security rankings from 2019 through 2024, with only six to twelve annual occurrences. Its austere phonetic profile and deep classical pedigree make Antigone an exacting choice for parents seeking a name of rigorous historical depth and principled character.

Pronunciation

Greek

• Pronunced as an-TIG-uh-nee (/ænˈtɪɡəni/)

• Antonia
• Antonella
• Antoinette
• Antara
• Anthea