bonnie

Bonnie is primarily a feminine given name of Scottish origin. It derives from the Scots word bonnie, meaning pretty, lovely, or charming. In Scots language and culture, bonnie is an affectionate descriptor that has also entered broader English usage as a name rather than just a word.

As a personal name, Bonnie became popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century and remains a recognized given name today. Variants and related forms include Bonny, and the name is sometimes used as a standalone choice or as a nickname for longer names. While most use is female, the epithet bonnie also appears in historical contexts describing people or places in Scotland.

Notable people named Bonnie include Bonnie Tyler, a Welsh singer known for the hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart”; Bonnie Raitt, an American singer and guitarist renowned for blues and roots music; Bonnie Hunt, an American actress, comedian, and writer; and Bonnie Wright, an English actress best known for the film series in which she plays Ginny Weasley. The epithet Bonnie Prince Charlie refers to Charles Edward Stuart, an 18th-century Scottish claimant to the throne and leader of the Jacobite rising of 1745, commonly called by the nickname in historical references.

In fiction and popular culture, Bonnie appears as a character name across media, such as Bonnie Anderson in the Toy Story film series and Bonnie the animatronic in the Five Nights at Freddy’s video game franchise. The term also appears in the idiomatic pairing Bonnie and Clyde, referencing the infamous criminal duo of the early 20th century.

Overall, Bonnie is widely recognized as a name carrying connotations of beauty and affection, with a presence in real-life individuals, historical references, and various works of fiction.