Bonnie

Pronunciation: [ b-AHN-ee ]

Girl Name #441 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Scotland's word for beautiful, now a name for the ages

Scottish English American

Vintage Playful Gentle Classic Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"beautiful, attractive, pleasant"

Origin: Scottish English (bonnie)

Language: Scottish

"good, fine"

Origin: Old French (bon) via Latin (bonus)

Language: French

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with Bonnie and Clyde (1930s outlaws), though most parents see this as vintage/romantic rather than problematic

The Story of Bonnie

Bonnie comes from the Scottish and Northern English bonnie, derived from the Old French bon meaning 'good,' and ultimately from the Latin bonus. In Scottish dialect, bonnie describes something or someone beautiful, attractive, or pleasant — 'bonnie lass' is a classic Scottish compliment. The word entered English as an adjective before becoming widely used as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in Scotland and the American South.

Bonnie was a top-50 American name in the 1940s-1960s, closely associated with that mid-century era. After decades of decline, it's experiencing a vintage revival in the 2020s as parents rediscover old-fashioned charm names from their grandparents' generation.

In Scotland, bonnie is part of everyday vocabulary — 'bonnie Scotland' and 'bonnie lass' are expressions of national pride and affection. The infamous outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde, though criminals, became romantic folk legends whose names remain culturally resonant.

Fun Facts

Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) was nicknamed 'Bonnie' meaning handsome/beautiful, not because of his personality
The 1967 film 'Bonnie and Clyde' starring Faye Dunaway romanticized the infamous outlaw duo and kept the name in popular culture

Bonnie in Other Languages

French Bonne

Italian Bella

Spanish Bonita

Japanese ボニー

Scottish Bonnie

Famous People Named Bonnie

Bonnie Raitt

Musician

1949

American blues-rock musician and guitarist, winner of multiple Grammy Awards including Best Rock Vocal

Bonnie Parker

Other

1910

Half of the infamous Depression-era outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde, who became unlikely folk heroes during the Great Depres...

Half of the infamous Depression-era outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde, who became unlikely folk heroes during the Great Depression

Bonnie Bennett Fictional

Other

Powerful witch character in the TV series 'The Vampire Diaries,' known for her loyalty and sacrifice

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #441
Total SSA Count: 703
Cultural Origins: Scottish English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Bon

Pairs Well With

Bonnie Jean Bonnie Rose Bonnie Claire Bonnie Mae Bonnie Lou Bonnie Faye

Sibling Names

Nellie Elsie Archie Clyde Iris Flora

Also a Boy Name

Bonnie is also used as a boy name, ranked #42319.

View Bonnie as a boy name →

Similar Names

Fannie Anne Angie Frankie Connie Lennie Johnnie Ana

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bonnie

What does the name Bonnie mean?

"beautiful, attractive, pleasant" (from Scottish English (bonnie)). "good, fine" (from Old French (bon) via Latin (bonus)). Bonnie comes from the Scottish and Northern English bonnie, derived from the Old French bon meaning 'good,' and ultimately from the Latin bonus. In Scottish dialect, bonnie describes something or someone beautiful, attractive, or pleasant — 'bonnie lass' is a classic Scottish compliment. The word entered English as an adjective before becoming widely used as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in Scotland and the American South.

What is the origin of the name Bonnie?

Bonnie has Scottish English (bonnie), Old French (bon) via Latin (bonus), Scottish, English, and American origins. In Scottish English (bonnie), it means "beautiful, attractive, pleasant". In Old French (bon) via Latin (bonus), it means "good, fine".

Is Bonnie a boy or girl name?

Bonnie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #441. As a boy name, it is ranked #42319. Bonnie is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Bonnie?

Bonnie is pronounced b-AHN-ee.

How popular is the name Bonnie?

Bonnie is currently ranked #441 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Bonnie?

Common nicknames for Bonnie include Bon.

What are good middle names for Bonnie?

Popular middle name pairings include Bonnie Jean, Bonnie Rose, Bonnie Claire, Bonnie Mae, Bonnie Lou, and Bonnie Faye.

What are good sibling names for Bonnie?

Names that pair well with Bonnie as siblings include Nellie, Elsie, Archie, Clyde, Iris, and Flora.

How many syllables does Bonnie have?

Bonnie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Bonnie a common or rare name?

Bonnie is a popular name, ranked #441 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Bonnie

Bonnie is a girl name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "beautiful, attractive, pleasant" in Scottish English (bonnie) .

Is Bonnie a boy or girl name? Bonnie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #441 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,319. Bonnie is more commonly used as a girl name.

Bonnie is currently ranked #441 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Bonnie has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AHN-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Bonnie include Bon. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.