'Antonina' originates from Latin, specifically the Roman family name 'Antonius', which is of uncertain (likely Etruscan) origin.

'Antonius' (a Roman family name) gave rise to the feminine form 'Antonia' in Latin and medieval usage; from these forms various vernacular variants such as 'Antonina' developed in Slavic, Italian, Polish and other European languages, eventually becoming the modern given name 'Antonina'.

Initially it identified membership in the Antonius family (a Roman gens); over time it evolved into a personal female given name with no direct family-membership meaning.