Declining since 1985, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Tonya since 1923
Babies named Tonya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 123 |
| 1940s | 944 |
| 1950s | 4,694 |
| 1960s | 34,072 |
| 1970s | 57,789 |
| 1980s | 17,987 |
| 1990s | 3,664 |
| 2000s | 775 |
| 2010s | 279 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Tonya is a name that rose to modest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1973 when it ranked 8860 nationally and appeared in roughly 1 in 146115 births. The name has been in decline since 1985, reflecting broader shifts away from similar-sounding feminine names. First recorded in the Social Security data in 1923, Tonya was part of a wave of names ending in -ya that gained traction in the 1950s through 1970s. Although no top states are specifically associated with the name, its usage mirrored national trends, with the highest concentration during the 1970s. The name remains in use but has become less common, with its current trajectory showing a steady decrease in new registrations.
Tonya emerged as a feminine form of Tony, a diminutive of Anthony, which derives from the Roman family name Antonius. The name gained independent use in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. Its early popularity coincided with the rise of similar -ya and -ia endings.
Where Tonya 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
Sibling names for Tonya
Names that share Tonya's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Tonya
Names whose popularity has moved with Tonya's over the last 50 years.
