Antonia

Antonia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, the feminine form of Antonius. The name has ancient roots in Rome and has been used in various European languages since antiquity. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it has long been associated with family lineage within Roman nomenclature and has carried positive connotations in later cultures.

In modern times, Antonia is used in many languages and cultures, including English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and German. Variants and related forms include Antonina, Antónia, and Antoinette in French, as well as informal diminutives such as Toni. The spelling Antonia is common in English-speaking contexts, while Antonina is common in Eastern Europe and Italy; Antónia appears in Portuguese.

Notable people named Antonia include Antonia Fraser, a British author and biographer; Antonia Bird, a British film director; and Antonia Thomas, a British actress known for roles in Misfits and The Good Doctor.

In literature and the arts, Antonia has been used as a character name; in opera, Antonia is a central character in Jacques Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann. The name also appears in contemporary media and has been used in various cultural contexts, including as a given name for fictional characters and in naming practices across regions.