The nameTony
Tony is the friendly short form of Anthony. It was a top 50 American name in the 1960s.
- Boy's name
- Latin
- Feast day
Meaning
Tony shortens Anthony, from the Roman family name Antonius, of uncertain meaning.
Origin
Latin, through English and Italian.
History
In the United States Tony reached 48th place in 1965. The Tony Awards honour the actress Antoinette Perry.
Tony in other languages
Tony is the English pet form of Anthony, and Toni of the Italian Antonio. Broadway's Tony Awards were named after the actress Antoinette Perry.
Did you know?
- In 1999 Tony Hawk landed the first 900, two and a half spins in the air, in competitive skateboarding.
- Tony Parker won four NBA titles with San Antonio and in 2007 became the first European named NBA Finals MVP.
Famous people named Tony
- Tony Blair, British prime minister
- Tony Bennett, singer
- Tony Hawk, skateboarder
- Tony Parker, basketball player
Popularity of the name Tony
Tony in the United States
Tony was most popular in the United States in the 1960s, with 71,181 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Tony. Its rise began around 1915, and it peaked in 1961. Half of all babies named Tony in the United States were born before 1964, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 360 births a year on average, against 523 in the five years before.
Tony in the United Kingdom
Tony was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,122 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Tony. Half of all babies named Tony in the United Kingdom were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 35 births a year on average, against 48 in the five years before.
Tony in Ireland
Tony in France
Tony in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Tony
Names from the same generation as Tony, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Tony? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Tony with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Tony side by side with the name of your choice.
Tony in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tony mean?
Tony shortens Anthony, from the Roman family name Antonius, of uncertain meaning.
What is the origin of the name Tony?
Latin, through English and Italian.
Is Tony a girl's or a boy's name?
Tony is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Tony?
In 2024, Tony was the 801st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 313 births.
What are the variants of the name Tony?
Variants and related names of Tony include Anthony and Antoine.
What are good sibling names for Tony?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Julie, Natasha, Priscilla and Rosa for a sister, Maurice, René, Julio and Quentin for a brother.
Who are famous people named Tony?
Tony Blair, British prime minister; Tony Bennett, singer; Tony Hawk, skateboarder; Tony Parker, basketball player.