Bunny Unisex
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
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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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1917 | 6 |
1918 | 6 |
1919 | 7 |
1920 | 11 |
1921 | 7 |
1922 | 12 |
1923 | 7 |
1924 | 14 |
1925 | 6 |
1926 | 13 |
1927 | 13 |
1928 | 14 |
1929 | 24 |
1930 | 17 |
1931 | 19 |
1932 | 23 |
1933 | 15 |
1934 | 21 |
1935 | 19 |
1936 | 16 |
1937 | 19 |
1938 | 31 |
1939 | 19 |
1940 | 27 |
1941 | 36 |
1942 | 32 |
1943 | 30 |
1944 | 34 |
1945 | 43 |
1946 | 64 |
1947 | 61 |
1948 | 60 |
1949 | 44 |
1950 | 59 |
1951 | 64 |
1952 | 45 |
1953 | 49 |
1954 | 40 |
1955 | 64 |
1956 | 53 |
1957 | 66 |
1958 | 53 |
1959 | 42 |
1960 | 40 |
1961 | 35 |
1962 | 23 |
1963 | 35 |
1964 | 29 |
1965 | 28 |
1966 | 29 |
1967 | 10 |
1968 | 18 |
1969 | 29 |
1970 | 28 |
1971 | 18 |
1972 | 12 |
1973 | 18 |
1974 | 13 |
1975 | 15 |
1976 | 17 |
1977 | 15 |
1979 | 9 |
1980 | 11 |
1981 | 10 |
1982 | 12 |
1983 | 5 |
1984 | 10 |
1985 | 5 |
1987 | 8 |
1989 | 5 |
1990 | 6 |
1992 | 5 |
2001 | 5 |
2011 | 6 |
2021 | 5 |