The name Sonya is a diminutive form of the Russian name Sofiya, which is derived from the Greek name Sophia, meaning "wisdom." The name originated in the Eastern Slavic cultures, primarily in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, and has been in use since the Middle Ages.

The name Sonya gained popularity in Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries, with several notable historical figures bearing this name. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Sonya is Princess Sofiya Alekseyevna (1657-1704), a Russian regent and daughter of Tsar Alexis I.

In literature, the name Sonya is associated with the character Sonya Marmeladova from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment," published in 1866. This character exemplified selflessness, compassion, and resilience, which may have contributed to the name's enduring popularity.

Among famous historical figures named Sonya, one can mention Sonya Kovalevsky (1850-1891), a Russian mathematician and the first woman to hold a professorship in Northern Europe. Another notable Sonya was Sonya Tolstoy (1844-1919), the wife of the famous Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, who played a significant role in preserving her husband's literary legacy.

Outside of Russia, the name Sonya gained popularity in other Slavic countries, as well as in Western Europe and North America. One of the most famous Sonyas was Sonya Henie (1912-1969), a Norwegian figure skater who won three Olympic gold medals and popularized figure skating as an entertainment spectacle.

Another notable figure was Sonya Delaunay (1885-1979), a Ukrainian-born French artist who co-founded the Orphism art movement and was a pioneer of abstract art. Sonya Handelman Meyer (1921-2019) was an American film producer and philanthropist who co-founded the Sundance Film Festival with her husband, Robert Redford.

The name Sonya has transcended cultural boundaries and has been embraced by various societies, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.