'Anatoly' originates from Russian, specifically the word 'Анатолий' (Anatoliy), which itself comes from the Greek name 'Anatolios,' where 'anatole' meant 'sunrise' or 'east.'

'Anatolios' transformed into the Russian name 'Анатолий' and eventually became the modern English given name 'Anatoly.'

Initially, it meant 'man from the east' or 'sunrise,' but over time it became used simply as a male given name.