A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Bonnie since 1880
Babies named Bonnie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 401 |
| 1890s | 1,343 |
| 1900s | 2,496 |
| 1910s | 8,335 |
| 1920s | 23,172 |
| 1930s | 35,803 |
| 1940s | 86,886 |
| 1950s | 83,013 |
| 1960s | 45,088 |
| 1970s | 16,673 |
| 1980s | 12,099 |
| 1990s | 4,422 |
| 2000s | 2,059 |
| 2010s | 3,112 |
| 2020s | 3,773 |
Meaning & origin
Bonnie, a Scottish-derived name meaning 'pretty,' has a long history in the United States dating back to 1880, the first year of Social Security data. After reaching peak popularity in 1942, the name declined for decades but has been rising again since 2008. In 2025, Bonnie ranked 396, with about 1 in every 2,047 baby girls receiving the name. Geographically, it has found particular favor in Montana, Idaho, and Alabama, where its vintage charm resonates with parents seeking a classic, sweet name.
Bonnie derives from the Scots word 'bonnie' (also 'bonny'), meaning pretty, beautiful, or fine. It originated as a descriptive term in Scotland and Northern England before being adopted as a given name in the 19th century. The name gained widespread popularity in the United States by the late 1800s, often used as a nickname for names like Bonita or independently.
Where Bonnie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bonnie” around the world
Where Bonnie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Ireland
#64
in 2025
New Zealand
33
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#69
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bon, Bonn
Variants: Bonny
Sibling names for Bonnie
Names that share Bonnie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lucy, Stella, Ruby, Ivy, Hazel, Candy, Connie, Dodie, Jeannie, Kandy, Merrie, Merry, Pennie, Tandy, Candie, Dimple, Jonie, Kennie, Lannie, Lonna, Monnie, Pinkie, Sherie, Sonnie, Vonnie, Billee, Binnie, Bonna, Bonnita, Brownie, Deanie, Debie, Genice, Ginnie, Janny, Kandee, Lassie, Lorre, Maurie, Sonni, Tonnie, Bev, Boni, Fonnie, Johni, Jolean, Lonni, Pinky, Barabara, Trixy, Debe, Edee, Jeanni, Lenzie, Lulamae, Lynnel, Peachie, Randye, Taffie, Terree, Zonnie
Brothers: Jack, Archie, Oscar, Teddy, Calvin, Donnie, Johnny, Ronnie, Dusty, Lonny, Ronny, Tommie, Arnie, Donnis, Laddie, Mackie, Roddy, Ronney, Toy, Donis, Howie, Rommie, Ronie, Vandy, Gill, Gordie, Gordy, Rannie, Raybon, Arty, Dandy
Names like Bonnie
Names whose popularity has moved with Bonnie's over the last 50 years.
