Surname Toney - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the History of My Surname Toney Through iGENEA's Intricate DNA Analysis

Delving into my familial roots through iGENEA's DNA analysis, I eagerly embarked on a journey of discovery. Focused on the history behind my surname, Toney, the experience shed light on my family name's origin and evolutionary trajectory. It provided an enlightening perspective on my ancestry, creating a deep sense of connection with my roots.

Z. Toney

Toney: What does the surname Toney mean?

The last name Toney is of English origin and is derived from the personal name “Anthony.” Saint Anthony, the patron of husbandmen and swineherds, was popular during the Middle Ages which caused the name to become widespread. As in the case of most surnames that evolved from personal names, Toney probably originated as a patronymic name, where it originally meant 'son of Anthony'.

The name Anthony itself has roots in Latin and Greek, originating from the Roman family name Antonius. In Greek, it’s associated with 'anthos' meaning 'flower'. The name became popular due to various saints and historical figures, such as Mark Antony. It should be noted that the different variations of spelling, including Toney, could have occurred because of a mix of dialects and stylistic choices.

Like many surnames, geographical distribution has caused the name to adapt and evolve, making the exact meaning vague. However, tracing back its roots gives an insight into its initial formation. Please note that meanings can vary and are much dependent on interpretation over time and location.

Toney: Where does the name Toney come from?

The last name Toney is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the South. It typically originates from English, Irish, or Scottish roots. As of 2020, the last name Toney is particularly prevalent among African Americans. Records show that the last name Toney often originated from former enslaved people who adopted the name from white enslavers. The Toney legacy continues throughout the South, with the highest concentrations of the surname being located in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina. The furthest west it can be found is in Texas, and as of the year 2000, the name Toney could still be found in pockets throughout the continental United States. Interestingly, the last name Toney can also be found in English-speaking provinces of Canada, as well as in the islands of Barbados and St. Lucia.

Variations of the surname Toney

The surname Toney has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Tone, which could also be spelled Tonne, Tonee, Touney, Tonea, and Tunney. Other variations of the surname include Toni, Toney, Toni-Toney, Tonay, Tonneau, Tonneaux, Teney, Tonneau-Teney, and Toney-Teney.

Tone, Toni, and Teney are likely derived from the Old French term tauné, which means “a large or important one,” while Tonea and Tonay are derived from the Latin term tunus, which means “the tone or voice.”

The Italian surname Toni is derived from the term Antonio, which is the Spanish version of the given name Anthony, and the etymology of this name is related to its Latin root of anten’dau, which means “priceless.”

In Germany, the Tonneaux, Tunney, and Toney-Teney variants are based off of the surname Tina, which is derived from a Germanic word controlling “meadow” or “clearing,” although this is likely just a coincidence.

In Scotland, Tonneau and Tonneaux derive from the surname Thomas, which is based off of an Aramaic term meaning "twin," and the Tonneau-Teney variant is likely derived from both Thomas and Teney.

The variations of the surname Toney are abundant and demonstrate the multifaceted origin of the surname. Despite various nuances in spellings, the commonality between all these surnames is their shared meaning - “the tone or voice” or “the large or important one.”

Famous people with the name Toney

• Antawn Jamison Toney: Former NBA basketball player.
• Mike Toney: Former MLB pitcher.
• Jason Toney: Former professional football player.
• Cedric Toney: Professional boxer.
• Robbin Toney: BET J VJ, Model, and TV Host.
• Althea Toney-Williams: Former NBA radio broadcaster and analyst.
• Gary Toney: Seasoned TV writer and producer who has worked on various reality television shows.
• LaShai Toney: Professional Singer/Song writer
• Tyler Toney: YouTuber and CEO of Dude Perfect.
• Red Toney: Lead singer of the American rock group the BoDeans.

Other surnames

Tönes