MallowbyNames

Latonia

lə-TOH-nee-ə · Of uncertain origin; possibly a Latinate feminine form of Latin 'Latona', mother of Apollo and Diana in Roman mythology, or a modern coinage based on Latin roots.

Peak popularity
1972
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Latonia since 1947

Babies named Latonia per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1242473711960198020002020Most births 1972Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s11
1950s120
1960s1,366
1970s2,646
1980s717
1990s193
2000s46
2010s5
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Latonia is a name that emerged in the mid-20th century with its first recorded use in 1947. It saw its peak popularity in 1972, during a time of creative naming in the United States that often blended Latin-sounding endings with melodic syllables. Although Latonia has never been among the most common names, it has maintained a stable presence over the decades. The name's connection to the Roman goddess Latona gives it an air of classical mythology, though its modern usage is likely a stylish invention rather than a direct historical link. The trajectory of Latonia has been stable since its peak, with very low but consistent usage. Its origins remain debated, with some sources pointing to literary or place-name influences.

The name Latonia appears to be a modern coinage, likely inspired by the Latin name Latona, the Roman goddess of motherhood and the mother of Apollo and Diana. It may have been used in literature, including possibly as a place name (Latonia, Kentucky). The name gained modest use in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States, without a clear or ancient etymology.

Where Latonia is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Toni, Nia, Lala

Sibling names for Latonia

Names that share Latonia's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Latonia, our favorite little girl.

L is for Latonia…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Latonia's letter becomes Latonia's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Latonia's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Latonia mean?
The meaning of Latonia is uncertain. It is likely a modern coinage inspired by the Roman goddess Latona, mother of Apollo and Diana, or derived from Latin roots. There is no single accepted meaning.
How popular is the name Latonia today?
Latonia peaked in popularity in 1972 but has since become quite rare. According to the most recent data from 2025, it did not rank among the top 1,000 names, and its usage has remained stable at very low levels.
Is Latonia a girl's name or a boy's name?
Latonia is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.