An uncommon Latin pick — distinctive and rare.
Tonja is a girl's and boy's baby name of Latin origin, a Scandinavian and Eastern European spelling variant of Tonya, a diminutive of Antonia, from the Roman family name Antonius, meaning 'priceless, of inestimable worth.'
Tonja brings a Northern European flavor to the familiar Tonya, reflecting Scandinavian naming conventions. It was used in mid-20th century America in communities with Scandinavian heritage, carrying the name's inherent sense of quiet, assured worth.
Tonja has 62+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1940.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 27 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 124 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 435 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 2,414 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 3,352 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 533 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 104 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | #16305 |
| 2002 | 11 | #9435 |
| 2000 | 10 | #9829 |
| 1999 | 8 | #11321 |
| 1998 | 7 | #12344 |
| 1997 | 7 | #12000 |
| 1996 | 6 | #13410 |
| 1995 | 9 | #9507 |
| 1994 | 14 | #6641 |
| 1993 | 10 | #8682 |
| 1992 | 24 | #4375 |
| 1991 | 15 | #6235 |
| 1990 | 24 | #4226 |
| 1989 | 24 | #4116 |
| 1988 | 28 | #3475 |
| 1987 | 36 | #2779 |
| 1986 | 22 | #3884 |
| 1985 | 38 | #2594 |
| 1984 | 39 | #2465 |
| 1983 | 41 | #2357 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Tonja has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 1969.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1940–2005) · Methodology