Declining since 1985, #783 for boys today.
Popularity of Tony since 1880
Babies named Tony per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 401 |
| 1890s | 475 |
| 1900s | 1,020 |
| 1910s | 7,495 |
| 1920s | 10,398 |
| 1930s | 9,163 |
| 1940s | 16,960 |
| 1950s | 40,782 |
| 1960s | 70,577 |
| 1970s | 35,676 |
| 1980s | 24,500 |
| 1990s | 16,141 |
| 2000s | 9,850 |
| 2010s | 6,031 |
| 2020s | 2,126 |
Meaning & origin
Tony is a classic shortened form of Anthony that has maintained steady use as an independent name. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, Tony experienced its peak popularity in 1962, when it was a top-tier choice for baby boys. Since 1985, its usage has been falling: in 2025 it ranked 783, given to approximately 1 in 5,256 male newborns. The name shows particular historical strength in Kansas, Louisiana, and Maryland. While less common today, Tony retains a friendly, approachable image that has made it a perennial favorite across generations.
Tony originated as a short form of Anthony, itself from the Roman family name Antonius. The meaning of Antonius is uncertain but may derive from Greek 'anthos' (flower) or Etruscan roots. Tony has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Tony is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tony” around the world
Where Tony lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Tony
Names that share Tony's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Tina, Marie, Angela, Stacy, Michele, Toni, Tonya, Donia, Donnetta, Ladonna, Mandy, Teena, Tisha, Tonia, Tonja, Donya, Tona, Tonda, Tonie, Angi, Angila, Brande, Candee, Martika, Monya, Tanga, Tawna, Tonita, Tonyia, Toshia, Tyna, Chonda, Monita, Sonita, Taunia, Tonnette, Jandi, Ronnita, Tonji, Tonnia
Brothers: John, Frank, Michael, David, James, Danny, Darrell, Vinny, Sal
Names like Tony
Names whose popularity has moved with Tony's over the last 50 years.
