Tonya, a unique and distinctive given name, originated from the Slavic elements 'tuna' meaning "fox" and 'ya', signifying "my". It is predominantly used as a feminine name but can also be found as a masculine one in some cultures. The name Tonya gained significant popularity during the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it peaked at its highest usage in the early to mid-1980s. Notable individuals bearing this name include Tonya Harding, an American former competitive figure skater who rose to prominence in the early 1990s, and Tonya Crowe, an American actress known for her role in the television series "Profit" during the late 1990s. In literature, the name appears in works such as Tennessee Williams' play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," where it is used as a character's nickname. The name Tonya has been translated and adapted into various other languages, including Russian (Тоня), Italian (Tonya), and Spanish (Tonya). It offers a blend of cultural richness and individuality, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
Tonya was quite popular as a name for newborns between 1962 and 1986, with a total of 435 babies named Tonya during this period. The peak years for the name were 1970 with 30 births and 1974 with 35 births, while the years 1962 and 1980 saw only 8 and 6 births respectively. After the mid-70s, the popularity of the name began to decline, reaching a low point in the late 80s with only 6 or fewer births per year from 1984 onwards.