Tawnya is a feminine given name used in the English-speaking world, primarily a modern variant of Tonya. Tonya itself can be an English diminutive of Antonia or a Russian diminutive of Antonina, and its popularity in English has likely been positively influenced by the name Tanya. Thus, Tawnya ultimately traces back through these forms to the Roman family name Antonius, from which Anthony is derived. The w in Tawnya may be an intentional or accidental respelling to give the name a distinctive look. Meaning: Variant of Tonya, ultimately derived from Antonius (family name, unknown Etruscan origin) Origin: American English modernization of Tonya Type: Given name (female) Usage regions: Primarily United States