All about the name

Bonny

Male

« Bonny is a Scottish female given name derived from the Scots word "bonnie," meaning beautiful or pretty. »

#11086 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Bonny is a female given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scots word "bonnie," which means "beautiful" or "pretty." The name is often associated with Scotland and its culture, as it reflects the country's appreciation for natural beauty. The use of Bonny as a given name can be traced back to at least the 18th century. In Sir Walter Scott's novel "Rob Roy," published in 1817, there is a character named Bonnie Prince Charlie, which may have helped popularize the name. However, it is not considered a traditional Scottish name and was likely used more frequently as a nickname or pet name. Throughout history, Bonny has been used by various notable figures. One example is Bonnycastle, an English mathematician of the 18th century who contributed to the development of calculus. Another figure is Bonny Lee, an American singer-songwriter known for her work in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, Bonny continues to be used as a given name, although it remains relatively rare compared to other names. It can still be found primarily in Scotland and among Scottish communities around the world, where it is seen as a reflection of their cultural heritage and appreciation for beauty.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Bonny since 1880

Total births
261
Total since 1880
Peak year
1929
14 births
in 1971
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years