The name Toni has its roots in the Latin language and is derived from the name Antonius, which itself is believed to have originated from the Etruscan name Antonu. The name Antonius was a prominent Roman family name, with the first recorded use dating back to the 1st century BC.

Toni is a diminutive form of the name Antonius, and its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the Middle Ages in various European regions. In Italy, Toni was a common nickname for Antonio, while in Germany and other Germanic regions, it was used as a diminutive for Anton.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Toni was Toni de Vivaldi, an Italian composer and violinist who lived from 1678 to 1741. He was a contemporary of the renowned composer Antonio Vivaldi and is known for his contributions to the development of the concerto grosso form.

In the literary world, Toni Morrison, born in 1931, was an American novelist, essayist, and professor who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Her novels, such as "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye," explored the experiences of African Americans and addressed themes of race, identity, and discrimination.

Toni Kroos, born in 1990, is a German professional football player who has played for clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation and has won numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup in 2014 with the German national team.

In the world of art, Toni Frissell, who lived from 1907 to 1988, was an American photographer renowned for her fashion photography and portraits. Her work appeared in publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and she was among the first women to be hired as a staff photographer for Life magazine.

Toni Cade Bambara, an African American writer, activist, and filmmaker, lived from 1939 to 1995. Her works, such as the short story collection "Gorilla, My Love," explored themes of racial injustice, feminism, and social change, and she was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.