Antov is a Bulgarian patronymic surname meaning "son of Anton". The suffix -ov is a common Slavic patronymic marker indicating lineage, so Antov essentially identifies a male descendant of a man named Anton. This naming pattern is traditional in Bulgaria, where surnames often reflect the father's given name.Etymology and OriginsThe root of Antov is the given name Anton, which itself is a derivative of the Roman family name Antonius—the source of the English name Anthony. Antonius is of obscure Etruscan origin, but the name gained widespread popularity through the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, a 4th-century Egyptian hermit considered the founder of Christian monasticism. The name was further reinforced in the Middle Ages by Saint Anthony of Padua, leading to its adoption across Europe, including in Slavic regions.Distribution and VariantsAs a Bulgarian surname, Antov is most concentrated in Bulgaria, where patronymic surnames are standard. Related names in other Slavic countries show similar constructions with slight spelling variations. Antonov, the Russian form, uses the same suffix -ov, meaning "son of Anton". In the Balkans, Bulgarian Andonov corresponds to the equivalent given name Andon (another form of Anton). Feminine forms like Antonova and Antova denote the wife or daughter of someone named Antov.Outside Bulgaria, cognates such as the Croatian Antunović, Serbian Antić, and Danish/Norwegian Anthonsen or Antonsen illustrate how the same root developed in different language groups.Notable BearersWhile not a high-profile surname globally, Antov is carried by several Bulgarian public figures, locally recognized in fields such as politics, sports, and the arts. Specific entries may appear in Bulgarian civic records or national directories. The name follows typical genealogical patterns common to Eastern European naming conventions.Meaning: Son of AntonOrigin: Bulgarian patronymic surnameRelated Surnames: Antonov, Andonov, Antonova, AntovaRegions: Primarily Bulgaria