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Bunny Unisex

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationBUN-ee / /ˈbʌni/

English; nickname

Meaning

young rabbit; affectionate term

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Bunny is believed to have originated as a diminutive or affectionate form of the name Barbara, which has roots in the Greek word "barbaros," meaning "foreign" or "strange." The name Barbara was adopted into Latin as "Barbara" and subsequently made its way into various languages, including Old French and Middle English. The transition to Bunny likely occurred through the use of playful or endearing nicknames that were common in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the 19th century, when such diminutives became popular in informal contexts.

Historically, the name Bunny has been associated with various cultural and literary figures. One notable reference is the character Bunny in the novel "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, published in the 1990s, which contributed to the name's resonance in contemporary literature. Additionally, the name has been used in various forms of media and entertainment, often evoking a sense of playfulness and innocence, which aligns with the connotations of the word "bunny" as a term for a rabbit, a symbol of fertility and new beginnings in many cultures.

Culturally, Bunny has been embraced in various contexts, often associated with childhood and affection. The name evokes imagery of softness and warmth, likely due to its phonetic qualities and associations with animals, particularly rabbits, which are often depicted in folklore and children's stories. This connection to innocence and playfulness has allowed the name to endure in various forms, making it a charming choice in informal settings. While Bunny may not have a long historical lineage as a formal name, its roots in affectionate diminutives and its cultural associations have contributed to its lasting appeal.

Trend Summary

The name Bunny has seen occasional use but remains relatively uncommon as a formal name in the U.S.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Bunnie

International Variants

Famous people named Bunny

Bunny Hop is a musician best known for the song "Bunny Hop" and contributions to children's music.

Bunny Williams is an interior designer best known for her work in residential design and her books on interior decorating.

Fictional characters named Bunny

Bunny is a fictional character from the novel The Secret History by Donna Tartt. He is a wealthy and charismatic student who becomes entangled in a murder plot among his elite group of friends.

Bunny is a fictional character from the animated series Animal Crossing: The Animated Series. They are a cheerful rabbit villager known for their friendly demeanor and love for gardening.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Bunny was first seen in the United States in 1917. Bunny has ranked as high as #1043 nationally, which occurred in 1957, and has been most popular in California, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Bunny has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Bunny (1968)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19176
19186
19197
192011
19217
192212
19237
192414
19256
192613
192713
192814
192924
193017
193119
193223
193315
193421
193519
193616
193719
193831
193919
194027
194136
194232
194330
194434
194543
194664
194761
194860
194944
195059
195164
195245
195349
195440
195564
195653
195766
195853
195942
196040
196135
196223
196335
196429
196528
196629
196710
196818
196929
197028
197118
197212
197318
197413
197515
197617
197715
19799
198011
198110
198212
19835
198410
19855
19878
19895
19906
19925
20015
20116
20215