Anthony Fontana

(male) The usual English form of the old Roman family name Antonius, which is of uncertain (probably Etruscan) origin. The spelling with -th- (not normally reflected in the pronunciation) represents a learned but erroneous attempt to associate it with Greek anthos ‘flower’. In the post-classical period it was a common name, borne by various early saints, most notably a 3rd-century Egyptian hermit monk, who is regarded as the founder of Christian monasticism.

Italian, Spanish, and Catalan: topographic name for someone who lived near a spring, from Romance descendants of Late Latin fontana, a derivative of classical Latin fons, or in Italy possibly a habitational name from any of the numerous minor places named with this word. The surname is also established in Portugal, imported form Italy.