Holding steady.
Popularity of Bonney since 1918
Babies named Bonney per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 19 |
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 132 |
| 1950s | 144 |
| 1960s | 75 |
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Bonney is a name with a gentle, vintage charm that saw its modest peak in the 1950s, when it was most popular. The earliest recorded use in the United States is from 1918, but it never reached the top ranks. According to Social Security data, the name has remained stable in usage over the decades, though it is rarely chosen today. Its spelling variant Bonnie is far more common, but Bonney offers a distinctive alternative with the same pleasing sound. The rarity of Bonney means it has no strong ties to any top states. For parents seeking a name that feels familiar yet uncommon, Bonney offers a soft, endearing quality.
Bonney is a name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Bonnie, which derives from the Scottish word 'bonnie' meaning 'pretty' or 'good', or it could be a transferred use of the English surname Bonney, itself perhaps from Old French 'bon' meaning 'good'. The name saw moderate use in the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1950s, but has since declined. It is sometimes considered a feminine form of the surname.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bon, Bonnie
Sibling names for Bonney
Names that share Bonney's style, for a brother or sister.
