Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Tony
BoyEnglish, Latin· “short form of Anthony”
- Meaning
- short form of Anthony (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- TOH-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #784
- US babies 2025
- 325
- Best rank
- #48 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1961
Meaning and origin of Tony
Tony is often said to mean “short form of Anthony”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Latin roots.
Tony began as a short form of Anthony, which comes from Antonius, the name of an ancient Roman family. The origin of that family name is unknown; the popular idea that it means priceless is a later interpretation without solid support. Anthony became widely used through Saint Anthony of Egypt and Saint Anthony of Padua. Tony has long been used as an independent name and is known from countless actors, athletes and musicians, including Tony Bennett. It feels friendly, easygoing and a little retro. It pairs well with a longer middle name and can grow into Anthony in formal settings.
Other spellings with the same sound: Toni, Toney, Tonie.
Popularity over time
Tony has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #48 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1961, when 8,306 were named Tony. In 2025, 325 babies were named Tony, and it ranked #784 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #136 in 1920, #149 in 1950, #108 in 1980, #283 in 2000, #383 in 2010, and #784 in 2025. Of the 251,595 US boys named Tony since records began, 28% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 40,782 babies. Since 2010, 8,157 more have been named Tony.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Russell, Glenn, Jeffery, Chris, and Randall.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tony ranked highest in Maryland, Kansas, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #564 | 9 |
| Kansas | #583 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #587 | 17 |
| Louisiana | #588 | 8 |
| Georgia | #622 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Tony is usually pronounced TOH-nee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with T and ends in “-ny”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Toni, Toney, and Tonie.
Middle names for Tony
A few middle names that flow with Tony: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tony
Similar names
Johnny Boy
JAH-nee
“God is gracious” · English
#458
Danny Boy
DA-nee
“pet form of Daniel, 'God is my judge'” · English
#628
Benny Boy
BEH-nee
“short for Benjamin; son of the right hand” · English
#841
Martin Boy
MAR-tin
“of Mars” · Latin
#335
Lawrence Boy
LAW-ruhns
“from Laurentum” · Latin
#520
Sonny Boy
SUH-nee
“son” · English
#298
Sunny Unisex
SUN-ee
“cheerful; full of sunshine” · English
#390
Lenny Boy
LEN-ee
“brave lion (via Leonard)” · English
#1,419
Austin Boy
AWS-tuhn
“great, venerable” · English
#113
Francis Boy
FRAN-suhs
“Frenchman” · Latin
#420
Larry Boy
LAIR-ee
“from Laurentum; short for Lawrence” · English
#1,085
Junior Boy
JOON-yur
“younger” · English
#752
Lists that include Tony
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tony mean?
Tony is often said to mean “short form of Anthony”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Tony?
Tony has English and Latin roots. Tony began as a short form of Anthony, which comes from Antonius, the name of an ancient Roman family.
Is Tony a popular name?
Yes. Tony ranked #784 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tony a boy or girl name?
Tony is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Tony?
Tony is usually pronounced TOH-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings