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Bonnie

♀ Girl

Pronounced BON-ee /ˈbɒn.i/High

Meaning: From Scottish bonnie meaning beautiful, attractive, or healthy-looking; ultimately from Old French bon meaning goodHigh

In 30 seconds: Bonnie is a sunny Scottish word name meaning 'beautiful and cheerful' that has crossed the Atlantic to become a warm, friendly favorite — helped along by a famous outlaw and a beloved song.
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Origin HighScottish
MeaningFrom Scottish bonnie meaning beautiful, attractive, or healthy-looking; ultimately from Old French bon meaning good
U.S. rank (2025)#396 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births785 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 328,668

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Bonnie derives from the Scottish adjective bonnie, meaning beautiful, healthy, or cheerful, which itself traces to Old French bon (good). It has been used as a given name in Scotland and beyond since the 19th century.

In the United States, Bonnie became strongly associated with the outlaw Bonnie Parker of Bonnie and Clyde, as well as with warm Southern culture. It peaked in the 1940s and 1950s and is now experiencing a quiet vintage revival.

Did you know? The traditional Scottish folk song My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean has been sung for over 200 years, keeping the word bonnie alive in popular consciousness far beyond Scotland's borders.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Bonnie — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BonnyBoni

Nicknames

Bon

Famous Bearers

  • ★Bonnie Raitt (1949–present)
    American singer, songwriter and slide guitarist; a 13-time Grammy Award winner.
  • ★Bonnie Blair (1964–present)
    American Olympic speed skater who won five gold medals across three Winter Games.
  • ★Bonnie Parker (1910–1934)
    American outlaw of the Depression era, half of the 'Bonnie and Clyde' duo.

If you like Bonnie…

Annie— shares the bright, warm vintage charm and the same breezy -ie ending
Nellie— fellow Victorian Scottish-flavored -ie name with the same nostalgic sweetness
Josie— shares the upbeat vintage -ie personality and playful, warm character
Maggie— Scottish-flavored -ie nickname-name with the same friendly, sunny energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bonnie mean?

Bonnie means beautiful, cheerful, or attractive in Scottish, from Old French bon meaning good.

How do you pronounce Bonnie?

It is said BON-ee /ˈbɒn.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Bonnie making a comeback?

Yes, Bonnie is part of a vintage revival alongside similar warm, friendly -ie names.

Is Bonnie a Scottish name?

Yes, Bonnie is a Scottish word used as a given name, with roots in Old French.