Girl · 755th of 12,526
Bonny
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
6,468
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1958
Peak Popularity Year
277
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Bonny stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Bonny is a Scottish name derived from the word 'bonnie', meaning 'pretty' or 'attractive'. It has evolved from its Scottish roots into various forms, such as Bonnie. The name is characterized by its endearing quality and has no biblical relevance. It became popular in the late 19th century and is viewed positively today, often associated with warmth and charm.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbɒni/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Bonny originates from the Scottish word 'bonnie', which means 'pretty' or 'attractive'. It has been used as a term of endearment and as a given name.
Meaning
pretty, attractive
Language Evolution
Bonnie (Scottish English), Bonny (variant spelling)
Historical Usage
The name Bonny gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Scotland and among those influenced by Scottish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Bonnie, Bunny, Bonita
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Bonny is perceived as a charming and nostalgic name, often associated with warmth and affection.
Famous People
Bonny Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart), Bonny M (singer)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 277 peak births in 1958
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Wisconsin
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4708th of 7545 | 39 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2948th of 6773 | 122 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3693rd of 7552 | 88 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8770th of 10718 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2801st of 9107 | 185 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 967th of 9204 | 1,042 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 755th of 12526 | 3,205 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1485th of 19264 | 1,101 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3058th of 27321 | 546 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14434th of 35406 | 83 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16328th of 30306 | 45 |