'Tony' (adj.) originates from English, specifically from the phrase 'high-toned' (late 19th century) where 'high-toned' meant 'refined, fashionable.' Separately, 'Tony' (the personal name) originates as a short form of 'Anthony', which comes from Latin 'Antonius' (likely of pre-Latin/Etruscan origin).

'Tony' (adj.) developed from the adjective phrase 'high-toned' → shortened to 'tony' in colloquial English. The personal name evolved from Latin 'Antonius' → Medieval/Old French/English 'Antony'/'Anthony' → shortened in modern English to 'Tony'.

Initially, the adjective sense was tied to 'high-toned' meaning 'refined' and the personal-name sense was simply a diminutive of 'Anthony'; over time 'Tony' became an independent given name and the adjective 'tony' came to mean broadly 'fashionable' or 'upper-class'.