Soni is an Indian family name, which is believed to be originated from Hindi word 'Sona' meaning gold, as the people of this origin were goldsmiths by profession. A majority of people having this surname would be found in northern and western parts of India such as Marwar and Gujarat. Many if not most belong to the Soni caste.
However, in Punjab it is a sub caste of Khatri/Rajput (Ramgarhia) clan and not of goldsmiths and therefore of different origin. Similarly, it also a Punjabi Jat surname.