Bonnie

Bonnie is a Scots word meaning pretty or attractive, used as an affectionate expression and as a personal name. Its meaning comes from a living word rather than a reconstructed ancient compound. Bonny is an alternative spelling of the word and name.

The familiar Scots song phrase “my bonnie” helps explain the affectionate tone for many English speakers. Bonnie can be the complete given name rather than a nickname that needs expansion. Families may choose it for Scottish heritage, a relative, or its sound. The descriptive meaning is part of the word’s history, not a standard a child is expected to meet.