A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Tonia since 1917
Babies named Tonia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 40 |
| 1930s | 170 |
| 1940s | 509 |
| 1950s | 1,662 |
| 1960s | 6,723 |
| 1970s | 9,938 |
| 1980s | 2,080 |
| 1990s | 682 |
| 2000s | 254 |
| 2010s | 102 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Tonia is a name with a sound that feels both familiar and midcentury. First recorded in the United States in 1917, it saw its greatest use in the 1970s, peaking in 1971. Since that peak, its usage declined steeply, but recently it has shown signs of a slow comeback, rising in popularity since 2022. The name's current rarity (1 in 321,453 girls) gives it a vintage charm that appeals to parents looking for a name that is recognizable but not overused. Its indeterminate meaning adds an air of mystery, though it is generally understood as a feminine spin on Tony or a variant of Antonia.
Tonia likely emerged in the English-speaking world as a feminine form of Tony, itself a diminutive of Anthony (from the Roman family name Antonius, meaning 'priceless' or 'of inestimable worth'). It may also have been influenced by names like Antonia or Latonia. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Tonia 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Toni, Tone, T
Sibling names for Tonia
Names that share Tonia's style, for a brother or sister.
