'antonella' originates from Italian, specifically as a diminutive/variant of the name 'Antonia', where 'Antonia' is the feminine form of the Roman family name 'Antonius' (of uncertain, likely Etruscan, origin).

'antonella' changed from medieval and early modern Italian diminutive formations of the Latin name 'Antonia' and eventually became the modern given name 'antonella' used in Italian and other languages.

Initially it referred to a feminine member or descendant of the family name 'Antonius' (via 'Antonia'), but over time it evolved into a standalone female given name and diminutive form 'Antonella'.