Bonnie is a name of Scottish origin that has gained popularity worldwide. It comes from the Scots word 'bonnie', which means 'pretty' or 'attractive'. The name Bonnie was popularized by Robert Burns, the renowned Scottish poet, who used it in his poem "The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond". In this poem, the phrase 'Bonnie banks' refers to the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond.
The use of Bonnie as a given name is relatively modern. It first started appearing in the U.S. Social Security data in the early 20th century and became more popular in the mid-century. Today, it's considered a classic yet unique name for girls, appealing to parents who appreciate its Scottish roots and charming meaning.
While Bonnie is traditionally a female name, there are instances where it has been used for males as well, particularly in Scotland. However, it remains predominantly associated with females. Some notable figures named Bonnie include Bonnie Parker of the notorious criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, and Bonnie Raitt, an American blues musician. Despite its association with these historical figures, the name Bonnie stands independently as a beautiful and meaningful name choice for a child.
In conclusion, Bonnie is a Scottish name that carries a charming meaning. With its rich history rooted in Scottish literature and culture, it's no surprise why many parents are drawn to this name for their daughters. Its unique yet classic sound makes it a timeless choice that will never go out of style.
The name Bonnie has a fascinating history of popularity and usage in the United States, as reflected in the annual birth statistics provided. In the late 19th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 50 births per year between 1880 and 1896.
However, around the turn of the 20th century, Bonnie began to gain traction, with a significant increase in births occurring between 1897 (187 births) and 1903 (200 births). This trend continued throughout the early 1900s, reaching an all-time high in 1912 with 539 births.
The popularity of Bonnie remained relatively stable through the 1940s, with annual birth counts ranging between 700 and 900. However, a notable peak occurred during World War II, with 9509 births recorded in 1946, likely influenced by the post-war baby boom.
After the 1940s, Bonnie's popularity began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 3000 babies were named Bonnie each year. This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with annual birth counts dropping below 1000 in the mid-1990s.
In recent years, however, Bonnie has experienced a resurgence in popularity. After reaching a low point of just 168 births in 2007, the name began to rebound, with annual birth counts climbing back above 300 by 2014. This increasing trend has continued into the current decade, with over 600 babies named Bonnie in both 2021 and 2022.
In total, based on the data provided, there have been 327,173 births of girls named Bonnie in the United States since 1880. This name's story serves as a compelling example of how cultural trends can shape popular baby names over time.