Anthony Natale

(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: nickname from the personal name Natale ‘Christmas’ (see Noel). As a personal name this referred originally to the day of a martyr's or saint's death, i.e. birth to eternal life; later it was given in honor of the Christmas festival.