This name has always been more popular in the US than elsewhere, although it is actually Scottish in origin. The word is still used in Scotland and parts of Northern England to mean pretty or attractive. It began as a nickname, and in the 20th century began to be used as a name in its own right. This may have started with the massive popularity of the film "Gone With the Wind" in which Scarlett's daughter is given the nickname Bonnie. There have also been some well-known entertainers with the name, such as Bonnie Langford and Bonnie Tyler; currently often seen on UK TV is the American writer Bonnie Greer.
In the US, Bonnie can also be a pet form of Bonita, a made-up name derived from the Spanish "bonito" which has the same meaning as Bonnie. This name is normally only used in the US, though there is an old European male form, Bonitus.
In the US, Bonnie can also be a pet form of Bonita, a made-up name derived from the Spanish "bonito" which has the same meaning as Bonnie. This name is normally only used in the US, though there is an old European male form, Bonitus.