Holding steady, #3,379 for boys today.
Popularity of Ronny since 1927
Babies named Ronny per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 24 |
| 1930s | 825 |
| 1940s | 2,992 |
| 1950s | 3,238 |
| 1960s | 2,582 |
| 1970s | 1,334 |
| 1980s | 995 |
| 1990s | 864 |
| 2000s | 816 |
| 2010s | 618 |
| 2020s | 279 |
Meaning & origin
Ronny is a friendly, informal shortening of Ronald that has maintained a steady but modest presence in the United States since its first recorded use in 1927. It reached its peak popularity in 1943, when it ranked highest among baby names, likely reflecting the broader midcentury fashion for masculine 'Ron-' names. As of 2025, it holds rank 3,379 with an estimated 1 in 50,238 newborn boys receiving the name, indicating a stable but niche appeal. The name was most common in Florida during this period, suggesting regional preference. While never reaching the heights of its full form or the alternate spelling Ronnie, Ronny remains a recognizable and straightforward choice, particularly suited for parents seeking a classic vintage nickname as a standalone given name.
Ronny is a diminutive of Ronald, the Scottish and English form of the Old Norse name Rǫgnvaldr, from the elements rǫgn 'advice, decision' and valdr 'ruler'. The name was introduced to Britain by Scandinavian settlers and became common in Scotland and later throughout the English-speaking world. Ronny emerged as an affectionate shortened form in the 19th century.
Where Ronny is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ronny” around the world
Where Ronny lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ron
Sibling names for Ronny
Names that share Ronny's style, for a brother or sister.
