Antoniya is a feminine given name of Bulgarian origin. It is derived from the male name Anton, which itself originates from the Latin name Antonius, meaning "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy." The name Antoniya is composed of two elements: Antoni- (from the male name Anton) and -iya (a feminine suffix in Bulgarian). Thus, Antoniya can be translated as "priceless one" or "highly praiseworthy woman."
The name Antoniya has a rich history and has been used for centuries in Bulgaria. It is believed to have gained popularity during the Middle Ages when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church played an important role in naming practices. Saint Anthony, a prominent figure in early Christian monasticism, may have contributed to the rise of this name's popularity.
Throughout the years, Antoniya has maintained its popularity among Bulgarians and has also been adopted by other Slavic-speaking cultures. Today, it is still considered a traditional Bulgarian name but can be found used around the world. While Antoniya is not particularly common outside of Bulgaria, it remains an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name with a rich historical background.
In terms of its popularity, Antoniya has never been among the most common names in Bulgaria or elsewhere. However, it has consistently maintained a presence in the country's top 100 names for girls over the years. In recent decades, its usage has shown some fluctuations but remains relatively steady.
Overall, Antoniya is a beautiful and distinctive name with a strong connection to Bulgarian culture and history. Its meaning, "priceless one" or "highly praiseworthy woman," makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughter.
"Antoniya's popularity peaked briefly in the early 2000s with a high of 8 births in both 2003 and 2005, but has since declined, with only 5 births recorded in 2012."