'antonina' originates from Latin, specifically the name 'Antonius' (via 'Antonia'), where 'Antonius' was a Roman family name of uncertain (possibly Etruscan) origin.

'antonina' changed from the Latin name 'Antonia' into Medieval Latin and then into various Slavic and European forms such as 'Antonina', eventually becoming the modern given name 'antonina'.

Initially it indicated belonging to the Antonius family, but over time it evolved into a standalone female given name without that familial implication.